How much sun does Evergreen violet need?

Evergreen violet grows best in shade conditions.

When does Evergreen violet bloom?

Evergreen violet blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Evergreen violet native?

Evergreen violet (Viola sempervirens) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Evergreen violet host?

Evergreen violet is a larval host plant for Zerene fritillary.

Evergreen violet

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Viola sempervirens

Last reviewed: October 2026

Evergreen violet (Viola sempervirens) is a perennial forb native to CA, ID, OR, WA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw native bees and small flies.

Toxicity unknown

Evergreen violet (Viola sempervirens) 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

shade

Water

medium

Size

2"–4" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

CA, ID, OR, WA

Pollinators

native bees, small flies

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains

A trailing, evergreen groundcover violet with small, rounded leaves and cheerful yellow flowers held close to the ground. It grows as a dense mat on the shaded floor of coniferous forests.

Growing Evergreen violet

Grow Evergreen violet in shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 2 to 4 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for Zerene fritillary.

Its foliage is a larval host for the Zerene fritillary butterfly, and its flowers offer early-spring nectar for native bees and small flies.

Common questions

How much sun does Evergreen violet need?: Evergreen violet grows best in shade conditions.
When does Evergreen violet bloom?: Evergreen violet blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Evergreen violet native?: Evergreen violet (Viola sempervirens) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Evergreen violet host?: Evergreen violet is a larval host plant for Zerene 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.

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