How much sun does Damask-violet need?

Damask-violet grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Damask-violet bloom?

Damask-violet blooms in April, May, and June.

What pollinators does Damask-violet attract?

Damask-violet draws bees and butterflies.

Is Damask-violet HOA-friendly?

Damask-violet takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Damask-violet

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lunaria annua

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Damask-violet (Lunaria annua) 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

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Native alternatives to Damask-violet

Damask-violet is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Lunaria annua produces clusters of fragrant purple or white flowers in spring, followed by distinctive silvery, translucent seed pods that are prized for dried flower arrangements. This European biennial self-seeds readily and naturalizes in partly shaded areas with adequate moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Damask-violet takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Can appear weedy and unkempt
Self-seeds aggressively and may spread beyond intended areas

Wildlife value

The spring blooms attract bees and butterflies during an important early season nectar period. Seeds may provide food for birds in late summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Damask-violet need?: Damask-violet grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Damask-violet bloom?: Damask-violet blooms in April, May, and June.
What pollinators does Damask-violet attract?: Damask-violet draws bees and butterflies.
Is Damask-violet HOA-friendly?: Damask-violet takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

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