Smooth-yellow violet
Viola pubescens
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–12" H × 8"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CT, DC, DE, IL and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees
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 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA tidy woodland violet with broad, heart-shaped leaves in a low rosette and bright yellow flowers in spring. It grows scattered through shaded understory and stays compact through the season.
Wildlife value
Host plant for great spangled fritillary, variegated fritillary.
Violets are the required larval host for fritillary butterflies, whose caterpillars feed exclusively on this genus.
Common questions
- How much sun does Smooth-yellow violet need?
- Smooth-yellow violet grows best in shade conditions.
- When does Smooth-yellow violet bloom?
- Smooth-yellow violet blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Smooth-yellow violet native?
- Smooth-yellow violet (Viola pubescens) is native to CT, DC, DE, IL and 18 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What butterflies or moths does Smooth-yellow violet host?
- Smooth-yellow violet is a larval host plant for great spangled fritillary and variegated 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.
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