BENEFITS OF GROWING NATIVE VIOLETS

HORTICUTURE TOPIC: Benefits of Growing Native Violets

​Native violets (Viola spp.) are a charming and practical addition to any garden, offering both ecological and aesthetic benefits. Maryland is home to more than 20 native violet species, including the Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia), Marsh Blue Violet, and Field Pansy. These perennials bloom in early spring in shades of purple, white, yellow, and even green, adding a delicate beauty to the landscape. The Common Blue Violet is especially widespread and easy to spot in backyards or garden beds, often volunteering its way into lawns and flower borders. With their ability to spread through rhizomes and seeds, violets create a dense, low-growing groundcover that thrives in shaded or partially sunny areas—ideal for spots where grass struggles to grow.

Horticulture Chair Nancy Percivall recently highlighted the many benefits of incorporating native violets into garden spaces. In addition to their beauty and adaptability, violets provide important ecological support. Their nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and their foliage is a vital food source for caterpillars of native butterfly species, including fritillaries, which rely on violets to complete their life cycle. Violets also help improve soil health by preventing erosion, retaining moisture, and enhancing soil structure, especially on slopes or shaded areas prone to runoff. Their dense growth helps suppress weeds, reducing the need for maintenance, and they are deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for sustainable landscaping.

By planting native violets, gardeners not only enjoy a lovely, low-maintenance groundcover but also support local biodiversity and contribute to healthier, more resilient ecosystems. This month, Nancy Percivall and Littany Hollerbach are collecting violets to replant in the Crofton Library garden areas. If you have violets volunteering in your yard or garden beds, consider digging and donating them. All donations are welcome and appreciated, helping to enhance a shared community space while promoting native planting.

Photo Credit: Doris Smith