Canada violet
Viola canadensis
Last reviewed: October 2026
Canada violet (Viola canadensis) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, CT, GA and 21 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw small bees.
Toxicity unknown
Canada violet (Viola canadensis) 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
6"–12" H × 8"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, GA and 21 more states
Pollinators
small bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A low, clump-forming woodland violet with heart-shaped leaves and white flowers marked with a yellow throat and fine purple veining in spring. It stays tidy and low, sometimes reblooming lightly into fall.
Growing Canada violet
Grow Canada violet in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Host plant for great spangled fritillary.
As a violet, it is an essential larval host plant for great spangled fritillary and other fritillary butterflies, whose caterpillars feed exclusively on violets.
Common questions
- How much sun does Canada violet need?
- Canada violet grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Canada violet bloom?
- Canada violet blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Canada violet native?
- Canada violet (Viola canadensis) is native to AL, AR, CT, GA and 21 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What butterflies or moths does Canada violet host?
- Canada 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.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Canada violet? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.