How much sun does American dog violet need?

American dog violet grows best in part shade conditions.

When does American dog violet bloom?

American dog violet blooms in April and May.

Where is American dog violet native?

American dog violet (Viola labradorica) is native to AL, CT, DC, DE and 24 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does American dog violet host?

American dog violet is a larval host plant for great spangled fritillary.

American dog violet

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Viola labradorica

Last reviewed: October 2026

American dog violet (Viola labradorica) is a perennial forb native to AL, CT, DC, DE and 24 more states. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

American dog violet (Viola labradorica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

3"–6" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, CT, DC, DE and 24 more states

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Try it with your yard

Low spreading groundcover with heart-shaped, purple-tinged leaves and small violet flowers in early spring. Forms colonies in moist woodland soils by rhizome and self-seeding.

Growing American dog violet

Grow American dog violet in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 3 to 6 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for great spangled fritillary.

Larval host plant for fritillary butterflies; early spring flowers offer nectar and pollen to emerging native bees.

Common questions

How much sun does American dog violet need?: American dog violet grows best in part shade conditions.
When does American dog violet bloom?: American dog violet blooms in April and May.
Where is American dog violet native?: American dog violet (Viola labradorica) is native to AL, CT, DC, DE and 24 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does American dog violet host?: American dog violet is a larval host plant for great spangled fritillary.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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