Viola x wittrockiana

Gams

Pansy, Wittrock's Violet

Violaceae Edible: Flowers, Leaves, Flowers - tea 18,851 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A hybrid perennial pansy reaching 8 inches tall with equal spread at a medium growth rate. Flowers profusely from June through September. Insect-pollinated with hermaphroditic blooms. Prefers sandy, loamy, or clay soils with good drainage and mildly acidic to neutral pH. Adapts to semi-shade or full sun in moist soil.

Description

An annual herb. The stems are 10-25 cm long. They are branched. The leaves spread along the stem. The lower leaf blades are oval and almost heart shaped at the base. The upper leaves are more narrow with a wedge shaped base. The flowers are flattened and round in outline. They can be 3-6 cm across.

Edible Uses

Young leaves and flower buds can be eaten raw, cooked, or used as a garnish. They have a stronger flavour than most other violets. When added to soups they thicken in a similar way to okra. Caution is advised if the plant produces yellow flowers, as these can cause diarrhoea when eaten in large quantities. The leaves can also be brewed into a tea.

Traditional Uses

The flowers and leaves are eaten in salads, desserts, soups, ice drinks and candied. The fresh or dried flowers can be used for tea.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

A temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Australia, Belgium, Britain, Europe, France, Hawaii, Pacific, 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. A hybrid species of garden origin, there are many named forms selected for their ornamental value. There is at least one cultivar selected for its edible qualities. 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 in a cold frame for best results; stored seed can be sown in early spring in a cold frame. Prick seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle and plant out in summer. Note that as a hybrid, this species may not breed true from seed. Divide plants in autumn or just after flowering. Larger divisions can go directly into their permanent positions, though smaller divisions do better potted up and grown on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until established, then planted out in summer or the following spring.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

There are about 500 Viola species.

Synonyms

Viola hortensis WettsteinViola tricolor L. var. hortensis DC.

References (6)

Benvenuti, S. & Mazzoncini, M., 2021, The Biodiversity of Edible Flowers: Discovering New Tastes and New Health Benefits. Frontiers in Plant Science Article 569499.
Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 245
G. Hegi, Ill. Fl. Mitt.-Eur. 1:616. 1925
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Rop, O., et al, 2012, Edible Flowers - A New Promising Source of Mineral Elements in Human Nutrition. Molecules 2012, 17, 6672-6683

Show all 6 references