Viola epipsila
Ledeb.
Dwarf marsh violet
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Summary
Source: WikipediaA low-growing perennial reaching just 10cm in height. Hardy to UK zone 5. Insect-pollinated hermaphroditic flowers. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with good drainage; prefers mildly acidic to neutral pH and consistently moist conditions. Tolerates semi-shaded to full sun settings.
Description
A low-growing perennial reaching just 10cm in height. Hardy to UK zone 5. Insect-pollinated hermaphroditic flowers. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with good drainage; prefers mildly acidic to neutral pH and consistently moist conditions. Tolerates semi-shaded to full sun settings.
Edible Uses
Young leaves and flower buds are edible raw or cooked; when added to soup they thicken it like okra. Flowers are also eaten raw. Leaves make a good tea.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Alaska, Europe, North America, USA,
Cultivation
Prefers a cool moist well-drained humus-rich soil in partial or dappled shade and protection from scorching winds. Tolerates sandstone and limestone soils but becomes chlorotic if the pH is too high. Prefers a pH between 6 and 6.5. All members of this genus have more or less edible leaves and flower buds, though those species with yellow flowers can cause diarrhoea if eaten in large quantities.
Propagation
Sow seed in autumn or early spring in a cold frame. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough and plant out in summer. Divide in autumn or just after flowering; pot smaller divisions in a greenhouse or cold frame until established, then plant out in summer or following spring. Larger divisions can go directly into permanent positions.
Other Uses
The dried root has traditional use as an incense.
Notes
There are about 500 Viola species.
Synonyms
References (3)
- Bowser, M., 2017, Handout on Edible Plants of the Kenai Peninsula. USFWS Kenai National Wildlife Refuge p 19
- Index sem. hort. Dorpat. 1820:5. 1820
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
