Acuminata Wild Violet (Viola acuminata)

Family: Violaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Viola acuminata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves and flower buds - raw or cooked. When added to soup they thicken it in much the same way as okra. — Young leaves and flower buds - raw or cooked.; When added to soup they thicken it in much the same way as okra.; The flowers of this species are usually purplish or whitish - some caution is advised if the plant has yellow flowers since these can cause diarrhoea if eaten in large quantities.; A tea can be made from the leaves.

Habitat & North American Range

Wet places on river banks and flood plains in E. Siberia. Mixed forests, forest margins, grasslands on mountain slopes, moist places in stream valleys in China. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)