Viola pinnata
Viola pinnatafam. Violaceae
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Pl. 12DF — Viola pinnata
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IOverview
Overview
Viola pinnata, a perennial in the Violaceae family, is native to Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia. Known for its edible and medicinal properties, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial sun exposure. It prefers soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and can grow up to 0.1 meters tall. The flowers and leaves of Viola pinnata are commonly used for culinary and therapeutic purposes. Its distinctive feature includes its ability to adapt to various soil types while maintaining a low stature, making it an interesting addition to gardens in hardiness zones 4-8.
Quick answers
What is Viola pinnata?
Viola pinnata, a perennial in the Violaceae family, is native to Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia. Known for its edible and medicinal properties, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial sun exposure.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Viola pinnata thrives in partial sun to full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best in hardiness zones 4-8 and can be propagated through division. This perennial reaches a height of about 10 cm and is native to Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia. Its edible parts include the flowers and leaves, making it a useful addition to both culinary and garden settings.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Viola pinnata for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, light-loving perennial that thrives in moist soil and partial sun.
- 1
What you'll need
Viola pinnata seeds or young plants, small pots, potting mix, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Viola pinnata in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, ensuring it's light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants into containers or directly into the ground.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and place in a partially shaded area to acclimate.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light (sandy) to heavy clay soil with partial sun or full sun. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and flowers to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too much shade, neglecting to prune, using the wrong soil type.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 5 native
Europe4 regions
native (4)AustriaFranceItalySwitzerland
Broader regions
native: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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