wonder violet (Viola mirabilis)

Family: Violaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Viola mirabilis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Cleistogomy (self-pollinating without flowers ever opening). The plant is self-fertile.

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. A tea can be made from the leaves. — Young leaves and flower buds - raw or cooked.; When added to soup they thicken it in much the same way as okra.; A tea can be made from the leaves.

Habitat & North American Range

Woodlands on base rich soils in most of Europe. Broad-leaved forests, needle-leaved and broad-leaved mixed forests, forest margins, thickets and grassy slopes in China. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)