Viola lanceolata

Violets prefer acidic, well-drained soil. Collect the capsules when they darken (1 - 2 weeks after flowering) and place in a paper bag until the seeds are expelled. The seeds may be planted fresh in sandy soil or stored dry at 40 degrees F. If stored cold/moist stratification may improve germination. Seeds require light for germination (Steffen 1997). Heel cuttings (leaf with piece of rhizome attached) should be taken after plants flower in the spring (Phillips 1985).

Attracts fritillary, spring azure, and metalmark butterflies. Bees also visit the flowers. The following information for the genus Viola: Animals that eat its seeds: Ground dove, Mourning dove, Bobwhite quail, Wild turkey, Junco, Pine mouse, White-footed mouse. Animals that eat the plant: Cottontail rabbit (Martin et al. 1951).

The Acadians of south Louisiana call all violets "violette," the traditional French name (Holmes 1990). Viola is the Latin name for this genus

Prairies, roadside ditches, wet open fields and sandy habitats in Louisiana and Texas.

The leaves may be eaten raw in salads or cooked in soups or greens during the spring. The flowers are often used as a garnish.