How much sun does Northern Bog Violet need?

Northern Bog Violet grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Northern Bog Violet bloom?

Northern Bog Violet blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Northern Bog Violet native?

Northern Bog Violet (Viola nephrophylla) is native to AR, AZ, CA, CO and 28 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Northern Bog Violet attract?

Northern Bog Violet draws bees and flies.

Is Northern Bog Violet HOA-friendly?

Northern Bog Violet is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Northern Bog Violet

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Viola nephrophylla

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Northern Bog Violet (Viola nephrophylla) 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 sun

Water

medium

Size

3"–8" H × 4"–10" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AR, AZ, CA, CO and 28 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

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

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Northern bog violet is a compact native perennial that forms small clumps of heart-shaped leaves. It produces delicate purple flowers in late spring through summer, creating a charming groundcover for partially shaded areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Northern Bog Violet is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

Small size may appear insignificant in large plantings
May go dormant and disappear in hot weather

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and flies during the blooming season. As a native violet, it also serves as a host plant for fritillary butterfly caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does Northern Bog Violet need?: Northern Bog Violet grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Northern Bog Violet bloom?: Northern Bog Violet blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Northern Bog Violet native?: Northern Bog Violet (Viola nephrophylla) is native to AR, AZ, CA, CO and 28 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Northern Bog Violet attract?: Northern Bog Violet draws bees and flies.
Is Northern Bog Violet HOA-friendly?: Northern Bog Violet is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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.

See all plant problem guides

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