Variegata Wild Violet (Viola variegata)

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

Viola variegata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from June 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.

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 red-purple - some caution is advised with any members of this genus that have yellow flowers since these can cause diarrhoea if eaten in large quantities.; A tea can be made from the leaves.

Habitat & North American Range

Mountain slopes in E. Siberia. Grasslands on mountain slopes, forests, thickets, rocky crevices in shaded places in northern China. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)