How much sun does Spear-leaf Violet need?

Spear-leaf Violet grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Spear-leaf Violet bloom?

Spear-leaf Violet blooms in April and May.

Where is Spear-leaf Violet native?

Spear-leaf Violet (Viola hastata) is native to AL, CT, FL, GA and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Spear-leaf Violet attract?

Spear-leaf Violet draws bees and butterflies.

Is Spear-leaf Violet HOA-friendly?

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

Spear-leaf Violet

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Viola hastata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Spear-leaf Violet (Viola hastata) 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

4"–8" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, CT, FL, GA and 12 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

Piedmont Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau

Spear-leaf violet is a compact native perennial that forms neat clumps in partially shaded areas. It produces small purple flowers in spring and maintains a tidy, low-growing habit throughout the growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Spear-leaf Violet is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

Wildlife value

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

Common questions

How much sun does Spear-leaf Violet need?: Spear-leaf Violet grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Spear-leaf Violet bloom?: Spear-leaf Violet blooms in April and May.
Where is Spear-leaf Violet native?: Spear-leaf Violet (Viola hastata) is native to AL, CT, FL, GA and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Spear-leaf Violet attract?: Spear-leaf Violet draws bees and butterflies.
Is Spear-leaf Violet HOA-friendly?: Spear-leaf 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 Spear-leaf Violet? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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