Horned Violet
Viola cornutafam. Violaceae
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Pl. FBE1 — Viola cornuta
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IOverview
Overview
The Horned Violet (Viola cornuta) is a perennial plant native to France and Spain, belonging to the Violaceae family. This small, flowering plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure, growing up to 20 cm tall. Known for its edible and medicinal properties, it is often cultivated for its flowers and leaves. The Horned Violet stands out with its distinctive spurred petals, which give it a unique appearance. Its adaptability to various soil types—light, medium, or heavy—and hardiness in zones 6-11 make it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Horned Violet?
The Horned Violet (Viola cornuta) is a perennial plant native to France and Spain, belonging to the Violaceae family. This small, flowering plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure, growing up to 20 cm tall.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Horned Violet thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-11 and can grow up to 0.2 meters tall. This perennial plant is native to France and Spain and is edible, with both its flowers and leaves being useful. For successful cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing adequate sunlight.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Horned Violet for the first time
7steps
Start with Horned Violet as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Horned Violet plant or seeds, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare containers with light to medium soil.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants into the garden or sow seeds directly where you want them to grow, spacing about 15 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial shade and regular watering, especially in dry periods. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and flowers regularly to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's health.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Ground coverFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 8 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 8 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 2 native· 8 introduced
Europe8 regions
native (2)FranceSpain
introduced (6)AustriaItalyPolandRomaniaSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
Broader regions
introduced:Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia
XSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Violaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Violaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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