Tricks for Getting Rid of Violets

Violets

• The genus Viola contains at least 60 native species in North America with approximately 400 worldwide; they're found in all habitats and U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones, at sea level and as high as 10,000 feet above sea level. The “Field Guide to Indiana Wildflowers” identifies 21 different wild violets; the “Peterson Field Guide to Southwestern and Texas Wildflowers” identifies 15. These five-petaled flowers appear in varying shades of pink, blue or purple with heart-shaped leaves.

Benefits

• Violets are soft underfoot. The flowers are showy and tolerate clay soil, black walnuts and deer; all readily naturalize and make attractive ground covers. Some provide food for butterfly caterpillars. Bright green grass with hundreds of bright purple violets is a welcome sight for winter-weary gardeners.

Bloom Season

• The unscented flowers of the common blue violet (Viola sororia) have five petals that frame an inner throat with a yellow to white color and dark veins radiating out toward the petals. The blooming season generally lasts one to one-and-a-half months beginning in mid- to late-spring with occasional blooms through the summer. Seeds ripen in the summer.

Ground-Cover Strategies

• The Viola species employ various strategies for spreading. Some spread through rhizomes and runners that trail away from the plant and produce new plants at the ends of the runners. They have a dramatic talent for ejecting ripe seeds from their three-lobed capsules – they can “spit” seeds impressive distances up to 9 feet. This rugged plant offers a desirable ground cover in shady areas considered unsuitable for grass.

Removal Tips

• Controversy exists over removing violets versus accepting them. Due to their tenacious nature, accepting is often considered a discerning decision, less difficult and less expensive. Consider posting a sign that says “Landscaped with Native Violets” to avoid disagreements with curious neighbors.

Organic Methods

• Organic methods include hand pulling or digging violets out. Improve the vigor of your grass – healthy grass out-competes most weeds including violets. Reduce the overhead shade and improve the soil; get a soil test to determine what nutrients, if any, are lacking. Mow high to help your grass shade sun-craving weeds. Pinch off the seed capsules in early summer to prevent seeds from jetting across the yard.

Chemical Herbicides

• Commercial herbicides containing triclopyr can be used to spot-treat individual plants. This selective herbicide is the primary herbicide recognized for managing violets in lawns. If large areas are covered with violets, remove your existing grass, improve your soil and replace with a new lawn. Use caution with triclopyr. Although labeled for turf grass, this kills nearby broad-leafed plants.