Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Viola odorata
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| Common Names: |
Common Violet, English Violet
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| Key Name: |
Sweet Violet
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| Parts Used: |
Leaves, flowers, root
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| Sister Plants: |
Viola tricolor, Viola sororia, Viola canadensis
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| Comments: |
Low-growing perennial with significant pollinator support; widely used in herbal traditions
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Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Low-growing perennial (4-8 inches), heart-shaped leaves, fragrant purple or white flowers, creeping stems
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| Stem: |
Creeping, green, slightly hairy
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| Leaves: |
Heart-shaped, 1-3 inches, dark green with purple tinge
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| Flowers: |
Purple or white, 5-petaled flowers, blooming March-May
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| Fruit: |
Small, oval capsules, 1 cm, containing seeds
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| Taste: |
Mildly sweet (flowers), slightly bitter (leaves)
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| Odour: |
Strong, sweet floral scent from flowers
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| Root: |
Fibrous, shallow root system; ground cover
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| Image URL: |
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Europe, North Africa, naturalized in North America
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| Cultivation: |
Prefers moist, well-drained soil, partial shade; propagate by division
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| Harvest: |
Flowers: Spring; Leaves: Spring to summer; Root: Fall
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Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Expectorant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, sedative
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| Medical Uses: |
Used for coughs, bronchitis, urinary issues, skin inflammation, and mild sedation; flowers for respiratory health
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| Constituents: |
Violine, flavonoids, mucilage, salicylic acid
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| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (tincture), glycerin
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| Dosage: |
Infusion: 1 tsp dried flowers in hot water; Tincture: 5-10 drops in water 2-3 times daily
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| Administration: |
Internal: Infusion or tincture; External: Poultice for skin
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| Formulas: |
Combine with thyme for coughs; with chamomile for sedation
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| Contra Indications: |
May cause nausea if overused; avoid in pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
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| Preparation: |
Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried flowers in hot water for 10 minutes; Tincture: Steep 1 part flowers in 5 parts alcohol for 2-4 weeks
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| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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| Veterinary: |
Used for respiratory support or skin treatment in livestock
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
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| Pollinator: |
1
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| Pollen: |
Yes
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| Pollen Notes: |
Wind-dispersed, visited by bees for pollen
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| Nectar: |
Yes
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| Nectar Notes: |
Attracts bees for nectar, supports pollinator health
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Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Ornamental planting, dye from flowers, perfume ingredient
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| Culinary Uses: |
Flowers in salads, syrups, or candied; leaves in teas
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| History: |
Used in European herbal medicine since ancient times; valued in perfumery
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| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; European Herbal Traditions
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| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Viola+odorata
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| Share: |
Private
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