Long-spur Violet
Viola rostrata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AL, CT, GA, IN and 15 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Long-spur violet is a delicate native perennial with distinctive purple flowers that have elongated spurs extending behind the petals. This compact violet spreads slowly to form small colonies and blooms reliably from April through June in partially shaded areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Long-spur 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.
- Appears weedy to conventional gardeners
- Self-seeds and spreads naturally
- Dies back after blooming season
Wildlife value
The flowers attract various bees and flies during the spring blooming period. Like other violets, it may serve as a host plant for fritillary butterfly caterpillars.
Common questions
- How much sun does Long-spur Violet need?
- Long-spur Violet grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Long-spur Violet bloom?
- Long-spur Violet blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Long-spur Violet native?
- Long-spur Violet (Viola rostrata) is native to AL, CT, GA, IN and 15 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Long-spur Violet attract?
- Long-spur Violet draws bees and flies.
- Is Long-spur Violet HOA-friendly?
- Long-spur Violet takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Long-spur Violet? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz