Table of Contents for American Field Pansy (Viola bicolor)
The American Field Pansy (Viola bicolor) is a herbaceous perennial that is found mostly in the eastern United States and southern Canada with scattered locations in the west. This plant is a host plant to fritillaries and a number of bees. These violets are stemmed and are annual. The flowers range from white to blue in color. They can be found growing in open areas such as roadsides, fields, and disturbed places.
Taxonomy and Naming of American Field Pansy (Viola bicolor)
Taxonomy
American Field Pansy (Viola bicolor) was named and described by Frederick Traugott Pursh, a German-American botanist, in 1813. The description was based on plants collected in Virginia and Pennsylvania (Shinners 1961). It has kept the same name since. This plant is a member of the Violet Family (Violaceae).
Synonyms
- Viola rafinesquei
- Viola kitaibeliana
- Viola kitaibeliana var. rafinesquei
Meaning of Scientific and Common Names
Scientific Name
The genus name, Viola, is from the Latin name for “sweet-scented flowers” (Missouri Botanical Garden). The genus also derives from the color violet (Online Etymology Dictionary). The species name, bicolor, comes from the two colors of the flower, often white and blue.
Common Name and Alternative Names
The common name of the plant refers to the resemblance of it to the pansies from Europe that are sold in the nursery trade. Other alternative names have a similar origin and include field pansy, Johnny Jump Up, and Jump-up Violet.
Physical Description
Description
- Plant Type: Herbaceous annual
- Height: about 2-10 inches
- Leaves: alternate, simple, obovate to spathulate, entire to crenate leaves that range up to 2 inches in length and become smaller higher up the stem. The leaves have a winged petiole.
- Flower color: dark purple, lavender, pink, white
- Blooming period: This violet blooms from April to June and is one of the first to bloom in the spring.
- Fruit type and period: capsule that matures in the summer.
- Note: This is the only annual violet that has a cleistogamous flower (NC Extension Gardener).
Range and Habitat
This species is native mostly to the eastern United States, scattered in the west and absent from most of New England. It is also found in Ontario and Manitoba. This violet is considered to be rare in the states of New York, Michigan, New Mexico, and the province of Ontario.
Habitat
American Field Pansy, as the name suggests, is found in fields but also roadsides, meadows and disturbed places.
Hosted Insects
Violets (Viola spp.) are hosts to a number of fritillary butterflies. Sand Violet is not a host to specific species, but most fritillaries will use it.
Other Supported Wildlife
Violets (Viola spp.) are important nectar plants for bees and other insects. Birds and mammals like to eat the seeds in the fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this plant invasive?
This violet is considered invasive in North Carolina and has been noted to be weedy in other places. For a long time, it was debated about whether this species was native to North America based on the weedy characteristics (Shinners 1961). However, this plant is now considered to be native in North America since it was collected early in European settlement and away from settled areas.
What other violets are similar to this species?
Johnny Jump-up (Viola tricolor), which also shares an alternative name to American field pansy, is similar to this violet. However, V. tricolor, has three colors (ivory-yellow-violet) to the flower and bicolor only has two (ivory-yellow) (Clausen, et al 1964). The European field pansy (Viola arvensis) is also similar but has cream colored petals. The sepals of this of American Field Pansy are shorter than the petals, which is distinctive of this species.
Gardening with American Field Pansy (Viola bicolor)
Hardiness
This violet is hardy in zones 4-10 and native to most areas of North America except for the west coast and the northern and northeastern parts of Canada. However, if your garden is within these zones, it is likely that you can grow this species.
Optimal Conditions
This violet likes places that have full sun to part-shade and soils that are mesic and well-drained. It is suitable for most gardens.
References
- Clausen, Jens and R.B. Channell. 1964. UZI NUR Viola rafinesquii, the only Melanium violet native to North America. Rhodora 66: 32-46.
- Shinners, L.H. 1961. Viola rafiesquii: Nomenclature and native status. Rhodora 63: 327-335.
