Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ C0BBmedicinal · edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTrefleWikipediaPFAFPOWOeditorially reviewedreviewed 22 Oct 2026methodology → read
Home/Plants/Violaceae

Redwood Violet

Viola sempervirensfam. Violaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
medicinaledibleperennialedibleedible leafmedicinalnative amperennialshade tolerant
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
pressed specimen — redwood violet
Pl. C0BB — Viola sempervirens
Viola sempervirensViola sempervirensViola sempervirensViola sempervirensViola sempervirensViola sempervirensViola sempervirensViola sempervirensViola sempervirensViola sempervirensViola sempervirensViola sempervirensViola sempervirensViola sempervirens
I

Overview

Redwood Violet (Viola sempervirens) is a perennial plant native to the Pacific Northwest and California, thriving in moist environments with partial sun or shade. This member of the Violaceae family grows up to 0.1 meters tall and prefers light, medium, or heavy soil types. Known for its edible flowers and leaves, it has also been used medicinally by indigenous peoples. Its distinctive feature is the vibrant red coloration in its foliage, setting it apart from other violet species. Found across Alaska, British Columbia, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, this plant adds both ornamental value and culinary interest to gardens and landscapes. Redwood Violet thrives in moist, well-drained soil and partial sun to full sun, making it a versatile addition to gardens and natural landscapes. The plant's edible parts, including its flowers and leaves, can be used in teas and culinary applications. Medicinally, the plant has been utilized by indigenous communities, though caution is advised when using any plant for medicinal purposes.

Quick answers

What is Redwood Violet?

Redwood Violet (Viola sempervirens) is a perennial plant native to the Pacific Northwest and California, thriving in moist environments with partial sun or shade. This member of the Violaceae family grows up to 0.1 meters tall and prefers light, medium, or heavy soil types.

Compare with:Chinese Violet→Dog Violet→Grass Pansy→all comparisons →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

2 drafts
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Evening Calm
sleep
tea
Traditional bedtime infusion.
Digestive Harmony
digestion
tincture
Historically used for digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Redwood Violet prefers partial sun to full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is a perennial that grows to about 0.1 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, you can use division or seed sowing. The edible parts include the flowers and leaves, making it useful both for culinary purposes and as an attractive ground cover in gardens.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Redwood Violet for the first time

8steps

Start with Redwood Violet by providing it a well-prepared, moist soil environment and basic care.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Redwood Violet seeds or young plants, a small trowel, mulch.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant Redwood Violets in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist and cool.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a spot with partial sun to full shade. Amend the soil with organic matter for better drainage and fertility.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants into moist, well-draining soil.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly during dry spells but avoid overwatering. Mulch can help maintain moisture levels. Fertilize sparingly with composted manure in early spring.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and a tidy appearance. Harvest the edible parts as needed, but avoid overharvesting.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting soil preparation, not mulching properly, harvesting too much.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

6 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 6 native
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:British Columbia, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · c0bb874e-94db-4db2-8d79-d45c7adce235
Decision aid
Choosing between Redwood Violet and something else?
Compare with another plant

Continue reading

❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes