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Missouri violet

Viola missouriensis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Missouri violet (Viola missouriensis) is a perennial forb native to AR, IA, IL, IN and 13 more states. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees and butterflies. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Missouri violet (Viola missouriensis)
Photo: Kurt Stüber [1] / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Toxicity unknown

Missouri violet (Viola missouriensis) 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

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AR, IA, IL, IN and 13 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSoutheastern PlainsInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess Plains

A low, spreading perennial forb with heart-shaped leaves and small five-petaled violet-purple flowers held just above the foliage in spring. Forms a dense, shade-tolerant groundcover in moist, humus-rich soil.

Growing Missouri violet

Grow Missouri violet in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 3 to 6 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Missouri violet is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

  • Can self-seed and spread beyond its original planting area, including into turf

Wildlife value

Host plant for great spangled fritillary, variegated fritillary.

Foliage is the primary larval host for several fritillary butterfly species, and spring flowers offer early nectar for bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Missouri violet need?
Missouri violet grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Missouri violet bloom?
Missouri violet blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Missouri violet native?
Missouri violet (Viola missouriensis) is native to AR, IA, IL, IN and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Missouri violet host?
Missouri violet is a larval host plant for great spangled fritillary and variegated fritillary.
Is Missouri violet HOA-friendly?
Missouri violet is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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

Ready to grow Missouri violet? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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