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.

Smooth-yellow violet

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Viola pubescens

Last reviewed: September 2026

Smooth-yellow violet (Viola pubescens) is a perennial forb native to CT, DC, DE, IL and 18 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

Smooth-yellow violet (Viola pubescens) 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

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

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Picture natives in your own yard

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Try it with your yard

A 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.

Growing Smooth-yellow violet

Grow Smooth-yellow violet in shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.

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.

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

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

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