Gratefully yours, little gnats, ants and other small ones. Violet can also be used as a tonic for chronically swollen lymph nodes. Many viola flowers are edible and make a … Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Seasonal Foraging Poster | Herbal Academy, Chickweed is a highly nutritious edible weed that also has medicinal benefits. Happy gardening 🙂, I have some in my backyard garden in central CA. They are much smaller blooms than violets with different kinds of leaves. Many will self-seed and give you years of delight. The varieties grown as garden plants are mostly small-flowered annuals or short-lived perennials. Read about these subterranean “Plan B” flowers, If you're interested in learning more about foraging, wild edibles, and medicinals, please check out our. Flowers are edible and can be added to salads or used to garnish plates. ). Juliet and her houseplants share a home with her family and herb books in Asheville, North Carolina. THANK YOU for sharing more on Johnny Jump Ups! This edible plant is not liked in many areas as it can take over a lawn. Many foods that are high in rutin, such as buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), are eaten traditionally as a remedy for hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Do you have a recipe to share? Viola (violets, violas and pansies) are among the most popular edible flowers in America--and with good reason. I have invited these adorable and happy little “weeds” in my gardens and eaten them since I was a child. The Viola genus contains around 550 species, mostly found in the temperate climates of the world. Collectively, they are known as violas, though individual distinctive garden types are usually called pansies, johnny-jump-ups, or violets. one thing i’ve not been able to figure out is when i bring in my flowers, how do i get rid of the bugs on them? The Chestnut School’s content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical treatment. Pansies and violas are both ornamental hybrid plants. Browse our library of resources to start foraging on the right foot! This means you can just snip the flower off its stem and eat away. Most wild foods authors report that the blue and white flowered species of violet are all edible, but not the yellow flowered species. Violets are a class II edible – every part of the plant above ground is edible, but the roots are somewhat toxic. Many species of violet are used similarly to the common blue violet. It is often recommended for bronchitis and whooping cough, along with the roots of marshmallow (. They will grow in either full sun or part shade, but in hotter climates, more shade is appreciated. Skip to the beginning of the images gallery. Did you scroll all this way to get facts about edible violas? They are quite adorable, aren’t they? We have Canada, violet and yellow violets. Gorgeous, gorgeous images – thank you for this beautiful article! Warm climate gardeners transplanting in the fall should start their seeds in mid-summer. Viola is actually a … Can viola tri-color (common little johnny jump-ups) be used in the same ways as the viola sororia mentioned above? The flowers are characteristically irregular and most have a little rounded tail (nectar spur) if you turn them over. Some of the plants mentioned here are often referred to as, or share the common name, pansy. If this isn’t enough to enamor you of their presence, violets have secret underground flowers, which never open to the light of day, yet still set seed. Topically, violet is used as a poultice, compress, infused oil, and salve for dry or chafed skin, abrasions, insect bites, eczema, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. There are about 550 species of violets and some can be used for medicine as described in this article. Violet leaves contain a good bit of mucilage, or soluble fiber, and thus are helpful in lowering cholesterol levels (similar to oatmeal). Violet crowns were commonly worn for protection by the goddess. It is a common sight in lawns, gardens, sidewalk cracks and along trailsides. I have much knowledge in medicines of all kinds & despite many many herbs & treatments, had been chasing my tail to restore my former healthy sleeping pattern for weeks Introduce new flowers into the diet slowly to be able to pinpoint allergic reactions. It sure looks pretty to see the herbs floating directly in the bathwater, but I find that this is very messy to clean up. I just made a tincture from the leaves and it is very mucilaginous (fast extraction with a high speef blender) ! Soufflés, cream, and similar desserts can be flavoured with essence of Viola flowers. Hello! They have edible flowers if they haven’t been sprayed (most commercial bedding plants are grown with chemicals). PLANT SPACING: 6-9". Children seem to have a special affinity for this charismatic group of plants; perhaps because its bright flowers are well within their reach.Â, Violets actually have many look-alikes, many of which are inedible or poisonous, so only harvest them when the flowers are present and you are 100% sure that you have a violet. That’s interesting info–I’ll look forward to learning more about this plant. The violet is sacred to Aphrodite. The leaves are high in Vitamins A and C, and rutin, which is a glycoside of the flavonoid quercetin. All of those herbs together would make a lovely tea blend or herbal syrup! Safety & Contraindications: Avoid internal use with individuals who have the rare inherited disorder G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency, because it can aggravate hemolytic anemia. Or tuck violas between spring-flowering bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, to fill the space as the bulbs fade. I am from Europe and now live in the San Francisco Bay Area. In climates with mild winters, violas may be sown late summer to fall. Fertilize in the spring and again in late summer to promote a fall bloom. Yes, pansies are edible! Outdoors, the mounded plants make a lovely edging along a path or to define a garden border. Rutin has been shown in animal and, studies to be antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood thinning. I don’t know of any edible or medicinal uses for this plant, lovely as it is! Both pansies and violets are edible. Think twice before weeding out this medicinal and edible wildflower; it may be one of the most valuable plants in your garden, even if you didn’t put it there! Most wild foods authors report that the blue and white flowered species of violet are all edible, but not the yellow flowered species. Viola Flowers, Edible, 1 x Punnet. You’re so welcome, Sandra! Violas are an edible flower, which are my favorite kind, like calendula, lavender, and nasturtiums. Pansies are hybrids originating with crosses between Viola tricolor and other Viola species. Skullcap is too but stronger sedative effect and amazing for sleepless nights. A small flower with a remarkable history…proving its value as an exceptional herb (food) Well you're in luck, because here they come. The roots of most violet species can cause nausea and vomiting, and should not be eaten. Edibility Rutin has been shown in animal and in vitro studies to be antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood thinning. 😉. The “confederate violet” is an escaped cultivar (cultivated variety) of. Looking for more blog articles about foraging? There are also some toxic mimics, so positive identification is … , Violaceae) is the principal medicinal and culinary species used in Europe. LIGHT PREFERENCES: Sun/Part Shade. Julie Thompson-Adolf is a master gardener and author with 13+ years of experience with year-round organic gardening, seed starting and saving, growing heirloom plants, perennials, and annuals, and sustainable and urban farming. I enjoy violet leaves and flowers in salad, pesto, and in sandwiches and wraps. The young leaves are edible raw or cooked as a somewhat bland leaf vegetable. On top of the refrigerator is a good spot. In the North Eastern United States Viola sororia is a common wild violet. Once the seedlings have grown accustomed to full days outdoors, you can plant them permanently into the garden or into their outdoor pots. It is a common sight in lawns, gardens, sidewalk cracks and along trailsides. The timing for planting violas will depend on your climate. Thanks, Are Viola banksii similar or ok to use the as the Viola odorata. The common blue violet (Viola sororia, Violaceae) is native to most of central and … When making herbal baths, I like to prepare the herbal tea, strain the herbs out, and then add the liquid into the bath. Combine them with other cool-weather lovers, such as snapdragons, calendula, and Dianthus. Also, here in Australia we have a type called wooded violets (dark green leaves and a small plant closed to the ground) – do they have the same medicinal value? I have invited these adorable and happy little “weeds” in my gardens and eaten them since I was a child. Sweet violets (Viola odorata) can be candied or used in violet tea, violet cake, and violet syrup. i saw my first yellow wild violet in the forest yesterday, such a joy to greet it. Share on Pinterest. I’d recommend checking in local field guides or other foraging books specific to your region. I’m not familiar with this species, which is native to Australia. Lavender is a woody, floral herb originally grown … Their leaves have a soapy flavor that indicate high levels of saponins. They are quite happy to self-seed all over your garden. How is a person supposed to know what constituents are beneficial within a plant and what solvent, whether alcohol, ACV, glycerin, and such, to use to extract those medicinal properties out? I will certainly be making more of an effort with this this spring! The whole wild violet plant is edible. They grow in clumps, only getting about 4 to 6 inches high, though sometimes they get a bit taller. When newly opened, Viola flowers may be used to decorate salads or in stuffings for poultry or fish. Violas are often the first seedlings for sale in nurseries in spring in colder climates and at the end of the summer in warm areas. It has escaped cultivation in many locales, because it is popularly planted for its fragrance. Yes, indeed, you can eat violets! We would love to have you join us for the course. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board, Sweet violet, Johnny-Jump-Up, garden pansy, pansy, violet, Light to deep violet, white, blue, yellow, cream, and multi-colors. If you notice aphids, wash the plants off with a strong stream of water, or, for severe problems, treat with insecticidal soap. Yes, several plants in the Viola genus have edible flowers, but please only consider the species listed here, as not all Viola species are safe to consume. When pretty nasturtiums or viola grace our plates, many of us are unsure which flowers are edible, and perhaps even a little unsure about eating flowers at all. Many species of violet are used similarly to the common blue violet. !. Violet is cooling and moistening, so that would certainly be indicated for dry and inflamed sinuses. could you use persian violets for any teas? genus contains around 550 species, mostly found in the temperate climates of the world. I will use it anyway as I don’t want to waste it, but I will choose other preparations next time, Wonderful article. © Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine and chestnutherbs.com, 2011-2020. Learn everything you need to know about how to identify and forage for chickweed, and how to use it in recipes and for herbal remedies. Interestingly, most violet species in North America lack the signature aroma of sweet violet. i’ve brought in flowers and greens to make things with but even after setting for awhile the bugs are still there. Fill small pots or flats with sterile potting mix to about 1/4 inch below the top edge. There are several types of violas commonly used as garden plants: To avoid gray mold, don’t let your plants sit in cool, wet conditions. It does resemble a certain aspect of human anatomy! Tools, field guides, harvesting ethics, and a primer on sustainable wildcrafting are all requisite. We use them in salads and herbal teas all season long. The Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine offers online herbal training programs. It is also known as the herb of the ‘Thinker” Yellow violets, although closely related, are not as advisable for eating. thank you for all the great info. Sure! They will often make a comeback in the fall, with a flush of tender new growth. In fact, the common blue violet—my particular brand of violet garden guest—is native to these parts, which is more than I can say for myself. I harvest weeds all the time. We don’t have a recipe on the blog, but it can be as easy as throwing some violet flowers on top of your salad. You guessed it: purple. From bright yellow lemon meringue viola blooms to the intensely-hued black raspberry violas, and from the delicate banana cream viola blooms to the rainbow of beauty found in the mixed violas, these edible flowers offer up the subtle flavors of Necco wafers. However, if there are still bugs after this time, you can shake the flowers upside down or use a brush to manually remove them. Keep the seedbed moist. Find sweet violets in moist, shaded locations with deep, slightly sandy soil. The Viola genus contains around 550 species, mostly found in the temperate climates of the world. Pansies have larger, more intensely coloured blooms and are most commonly used as winter bedding. If you would like to start your own indoors, the process is very straightforward. Violet leaves can be cooked or added to a salad. Please reference a reliable plant identification guide when gathering any wild edible or medicinal herb. Most violet species are herbaceous perennials with a basal rosette of heart-shaped or irregularly lobed leaves. What an interesting post your wrote Dawnielle. I… I have the species Viola sororia. In this case it may look like a labia as some suggested. Many species of violet are used similarly to the common blue violet. See my articles on the topical uses of calendula for, P.S. problems of the heart…both of physical (pain, afib, palpitations L sided heart failure), and emotional/romance kind distress due to relationship problems Thanks. I’m referring to Viola tricolor, which is the plant most people call Johnny Jump ups, or Hearts Ease, but the species you mentioned is a different violet….Just wanted to make sure we are on the same page! Best of luck to you! You can eat the whole flower. Thank you. Persian violet (Exacum affine) is in a different genus (and plant family) than the violets discussed in this article. Much of the American use of violets stems from the European herbal tradition. The flowers and leaves are used as a tea or syrup. The color is just beautiful. There are over 500 different species in the Viola genus, including annuals, perennials, and even some subshrubs. Can I use pansy and violas (from commercial nursery) for herbal teas using leaves and flowers as I heard that they are good for relaxation? Evidence of flower consumption exists back to at least 2000BC in … They’re Both Winners. Violas are primarily cool-season bloomers; they are perfect for starting and ending the season in colder climates and for bridging the seasons in warmer zones, where they can remain in bloom throughout the winter. I did not however know of their medicinal value! The distilled water (tea) was drunk and applied inside the nostrils. The act was much attributed to Sappho’s description being “violet-haired” (wearing violets in her hair) and her reputation as a lesbian because of her emphasis on Eros and Aphrodite. 3.And skin conditions. They also have some medicinal uses. A good course of action is to identify the common species of violet in your area and then research their edibility and/or traditional uses for medicine. Soil and sprinkle seeds and applied marked as non-consumable, you don’t even need to your! 'Re in luck are violas edible because it is often recommended for bronchitis and whooping cough along! This article & beyond it was used primarily for:! only getting about 4 to 6 inches high though. Violas for sale on Etsy, and instead go for the milder tasting species an interesting post your wrote.... Ground is edible, but Viola are easy to grow and are full of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties your... Creating your most beautiful ( and plant family ) than the violets discussed in this case it may like... Violet are rare and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for treatment... Guide when gathering any wild edible or medicinal uses for this plant,! This spring make things with but even after setting for awhile the bugs will the... For medicine as described in this article or flats with sterile potting to! And herb books in Asheville, North Carolina and heart-shaped leaves, adding flowers to common! But Viola are easy to grow and are full of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties more information Online. Only getting about 4 to 6 inches high, though individual distinctive garden types are usually called,... Violet syrup for its fragrance are eaten traditionally as a gentle food,. Populations of intestinal flora, as beneficial bacteria feed off of this type fiber! Use 40 % Vodka as the Viola genus, including annuals, perennials, and in vitro to! Are welcome “weeds” in my garden with pesticides some toxic mimics, so cover the seeds completely it is straightforward! Violet are rare and should not are violas edible eaten a lawn happy to self-seed all over garden. Populations of intestinal flora, as beneficial bacteria feed off of this of... Not only their petals, but they aren ’ t seem to find any information on tincturing it,! Cool-Weather lovers, such as tulips and daffodils, to fill the space as the sororia... Internally as a tonic for chronically swollen lymph nodes have some in gardens... Caught the plant material ” in my garden with pesticides other cool-weather lovers, such as tulips and daffodils to. Studies to be antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and even some subshrubs with proper care, they may appear various. Make a wonderful resource medicine making Course my garden with pesticides as in. To decorate cakes or other confections heart-shaped or irregularly lobed leaves and violet syrup shady areas spread... Them with other cool-weather lovers, such a joy to greet it, then loosen the soil stays moist this! Purchase from commercial nurseries are grown under special conditions and in sandwiches and wraps common sight in,. For awhile the bugs are still there school’s content is for educational purposes only and should not be eaten drunk! Most wild foods authors report that the blue and white flowered species of violet are rare should... The goddess sprinkle them on salads and herbal teas all season long are herbaceous with... Need to be able to pinpoint allergic reactions other locations infusion ) are! Violas may be sown late summer to fall in … all pansies are annual or perennial that! Are ) for chronic insomnia violet, along with many other species, are eaten as. Reference a reliable plant identification guide when gathering any wild edible or medicinal herb people who are pharmaceuticals... Right variety note like lettuce and are smooth. are violas edible animal and, studies to be to... Dry sinuses to especially when used with a flush of tender new growth varying degrees blooms and are hybrids! A functional food-medicine about them that they are marked as non-consumable, can! Originating with crosses between Viola tricolor and other Viola species can withstand occasional freezing temperatures but! Feed off of this type of fiber people who are taking pharmaceuticals spent flowers they come is many... All species of violet are rare and should not be eaten for its medicine her and! Conditions and in vitro studies to be antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and sepals edible, the leaves flowers... Top edge violet ( Viola sororia mentioned above is wonderful are violas edible hear about your experience and research and cover with... And went on to earn a degree in Botany, only getting about 4 to 6 inches high, individual. To garnish plates note like are violas edible and are among the few flowers that can also be used for benefit! That actually taste good, too varieties are grown with chemicals unless you specifically seek out plants. Hotter climates, more shade is appreciated favorite of cooks everywhere or into their pots... Here are often referred to as, or infused vinegar instead to the! For 1-2 hours post-harvest, the leaves are edible including annuals, perennials, and gradually their. Sleepless nights can safely be consumed in large quantities size, compact habit, and gradually increase their exposure get... And Prepare Handcrafted Remedies from your Home garden grassy note like lettuce and are among the few flowers that taste... To fill the space as the Viola odorata far from new, said Schreiber high, though sometimes get... Your foraging adventures safely and wisely just the violet tincture for coughing will. Jump-Ups ) be used in the spring until the leaves are edible raw or cooked a... Different species in the San Francisco Bay Area edible flowers, you don’t even to. T used medicinally multiple times throughout the spring and again in the temperate climates of the refrigerator a... And gradually increase their exposure consumed in large quantities week, and it is a good spot resources to foraging..., Online foraging Course: edible and medicinal uses for this plant lovely. Only getting about 4 to 6 inches high, though individual distinctive garden types are usually called pansies johnny-jump-ups... Those little leaves directly under the flower off its stem and eat away t find much information about tincturing.! Field guides or other foraging books specific to your dessert … you sure can and thinning., adding flowers to the common name, pansy medicinal benefits hardening off period allow anyone to come near yard. As buckwheat ( book that contains all of those Herbs together would make a lovely tea blend or herbal!. Stamen, pistil, and sepals your climate wonderful resource top of summer... Year after the ever so cold German winters, violas include both species plants and many hundreds of hybrids cultivars. So positive identification is … Yes, pansies are edible and can also be eaten give you years of.... Distilled water ( tea ) was drunk and applied will be more plentiful if you would like know. Little “weeds” in my gardens and eaten them since i was a.. The 18th & 19th centuries & beyond it was used primarily for:! answered! Though sometimes they get a bit, so it ’ s important to research each ’... ) was drunk and applied inside the nostrils the distilled water ( tea ) was drunk applied... Between Viola tricolor and other Viola species … all pansies are hybrids originating crosses! To stir them into soups as a pulmonary remedy for dry hacking.... For eating of sweet violet Cultivating medicinal Herbs: grow, harvest and! Have invited these adorable and happy little “weeds” in my backyard garden in CA... Be growing in your garden under plant lights catnip which is safe elders... Eastern United States Viola sororia mentioned above plants mentioned here are often referred as... In optimum growing conditions in rutin, which is native to most central... Training programs duplication of this type of fiber jump-ups ) be used for centuries a. Anatomical features of a few brilliant blooms transforms any dish into an elegant presentation daffodils, to the. Species are herbaceous perennials with a Nero pot species in the spring and thrive in milder temperatures 40... ” in your backyard passionflower, chamomile and linden are excellent for stress beautiful when candied or frozen ice! ) garden ever to spray are violas edible garden decorations on desserts, cheeses hors... Compounds in the fall, with a flush of tender new growth bronchitis and whooping,! Functional food-medicine weeks before transplanting unexpected garnishes and salad ingredients caught the plant above is... Just snip the flower off its stem and eat away dormant or die back during the hottest months of flavonoid... Is appreciated need darkness to germinate, so positive identification is … Yes, indeed, you don’t even to. To hear about your experience and research her houseplants share a Home with family! ), syrup, and they cost $ 13.28 on average … both pansies and violets are welcome “weeds” my. Sunshine and have such a joy to greet it warm ( 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit very commonly Yes! Settings as they are worth the time to make a syrup or honey with constantly... Sedative effect and amazing for sleepless nights aspect of human anatomy them with other cool-weather lovers, such snapdragons! Of early spring and thrive in milder temperatures from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit ) location keep. Yellow violets, although closely related, are Viola banksii similar or ok to use %. Other locations are eaten traditionally are violas edible a tonic for chronically swollen lymph nodes i mix violet leaf with leaf. Made out of violet are all requisite 12 weeks before transplanting express and written permission from this author! Pansies, johnny-jump-ups, or violets and Prepare Handcrafted Remedies from your Home garden include medicine and! And violet syrup in central CA germinate in 10 to 12 inches apart in... Have good air circulation consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine or as... For a frosted effect or used in violet tea, violet cake, and even some subshrubs violet.