• The pale purple flowers of marsh violet (Viola palustris) bloom gracefully above rounded, scalloped leaves, their delicate dark lines drawing the eye toward the soft white center. This low-growing violet thrives in moist, shaded habitats like wetlands and forest edges. Its subtle coloring adds a gentle splash of purple where few other flowers bloom.
  • Marsh violet (Viola palustris) forms tidy clumps of rounded green leaves, sending up dainty lilac flowers streaked with fine purple lines. Preferring damp meadows, seepage areas, and shady forest floors, this species is a quiet but charming addition to wetland plant communities. Its understated beauty often rewards those who stop to look closely.
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Viola palustris - Marsh Violet

Viola palustris - Marsh Violet

$16.50 CAD
$16.50 CAD
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Marsh Violet is a delicate, low-growing perennial with soft lavender pink to pale purple flowers that bloom in spring, rising above rounded, heart-shaped green leaves. Thriving in cool, damp environments, its blooms provide an early-season nectar source for native bees, small butterflies, and flies, while also serving as a potential host plant for some fritillary butterfly species.

Spreading gently by creeping rhizomes, Marsh Violet forms loose colonies in wetlands, moist meadows, and along streambanks. It's ideal for rain gardens, wetland restoration, naturalized plantings, and moist woodland edges where consistent moisture is available. Plant it in your pond margins or at the base of your downspouts where it will enjoy the extra water. Moderately deer resistant, tender spring growth may be browsed, but plants recover well due to their spreading habit and preference for damp conditions.

How Easy Is This Plant to Grow?

Germination Difficulty: Intermediate
Growing Difficulty: Intermediate
Speed of Growth: Fast
Age to First Bloom: 2

Plant Sizes & Blooming Window

Important Information - The "Plant Sizes" are provided as a general guideline for plant selection. The "Blooming Window" indicates the general period when the species is in bloom, not how long an individual plant will flower.

Plant growth and bloom times will vary depending on geographical location & individual site conditions. Please scroll down to see the specific information for this plant.

Edible & Medicinal Info Disclaimer

The Edible & Medicinal information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be acted on without thorough research and professional guidance. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of or misidentification of plants.

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Plant Specifics

Seeds Per Pack

15

Light Conditions

  • Sun
  • Part Shade

Soil Conditions

  • Wet
  • Moist
  • Rich
  • Loam
  • Clay

Height

  • Under 6"

Width

  • Mat Forming

Bloom Colour

  • Lavender Pink

Month of Bloom

  • May
  • June
  • July

Vigorousness

  • Moderate
  • Fast

Deer Resistance

  • Moderate

Features

  • Butterflies
  • Bees
  • Fall Color
  • Used as Groundcover
  • Urban Spaces
  • Rural Spaces
  • Medicinal Properties
  • Edible Parts
  • Toxic or Posionous Parts
  • Good in Containers

Chinook Exposure

  • Moderate

Distribution Info

Native to northern parts of North America and Eurasia, Marsh Violet  is found across Canada with the exception of PE and NU, and extending into the northern U.S. and Alaska. It thrives in moist meadows, bogs, fens, streambanks, wet forest edges, and open wetlands.

Traditional Edible & Medicinal Info

While specific medicinal or edible uses of Viola palustris are not well-documented, various violet species have been used traditionally for their edible leaves and flowers, which are high in vitamins A and C.

⚠️ Toxicity Note: Roots, fruits and seeds should be avoided as they can cause gastrointestinal upset.