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Northern Bog Violet

Viola nephrophylla

Last reviewed: July 2026

Northern Bog Violet (Viola nephrophylla)
Photo: (c) Mark Pollock, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mark Pollock

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 432 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

Sierra NevadaSouthern California MountainsNorth American DesertsNorthwestern Forested MountainsCentral Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsHigh PlainsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsMadrean ArchipelagoAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

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.

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

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