Life cycle and growth habit
Wild violets are native and they do have wildlife value. They are the larval food source for fritillary butterflies.
Perennial. Low-growing (< 1-ft. from basal crown); heart-shaped leaves; flowers blue to violet, occasionally white, on leafless stalks.
Reproduction
Seed and short, branching rhizomes.
Conditions that favor growth
Thrives in moist, shady sites, but tolerates drought once established; mowing the lawn too short. Common in thinning lawns, shady areas, and acidic soils. But can spread into sunnier, drier areas.
Management in lawns
Lawn care practices
Maintain healthy, dense turf that can compete and prevent weed establishment.
Mechanical management
Hand pulling or using an appropriate weeding tool are the primary means of mechanical weed control in lawns. This is a viable option at the beginning of an infestation and on young weeds.
Manage Weeds Without Chemicals
Chemical treatment in lawns
Wild violets benefit fritillary butterflies and should be left to grow.
Chemical herbicides do not work well to manage them and they will continue to return unless the growing conditions are improved for grass growth. If growing grass is not successful in these areas consider planting a native shade-loving groundcover.