While laypeople simply say violets, botanists have more precise terms in store. Violets are not just violets. But the best-known violet is probably the scented violet, also known as March violet. Here is a brief overview of its characteristics in fact sheet format and described in more detail.

Violets are not poisonous, but are even used as a medicinal plant

Short and to the point

  • Plant family: Violet family
  • Botanical name: Viola odorata
  • Main occurrence: Central and southern Europe
  • Growth: 10 to 20 cm high
  • Leaves: green, stalked, notched
  • Flowering time: March to April/May
  • flowers: violet
  • Location: partially shaded
  • Soil: well-drained, humic, moderately dry to fresh
  • Care: no special care requirements
  • Propagation: self-sowing, offshoots
  • Use: Medicinal plant, aromatic plant, ornamental plant

A medicinal plant from earlier times

Of the more than 500 species of violets, the sweet violet is the best known. It was valued and used as a medicinal plant in earlier times. The saponins it contains and the high content of salicylic acid are primarily responsible for its healing effect. Consumption has an expectorant, diuretic and expectorant effect, among other things.

The home of the violet

Today, the violet can be found primarily in central and southern Europe. It likes to inhabit forest edges and bushes. But it can also be found on lawns in residential areas. It prefers to stand in the warm semi-shade.

Growth, leaves, flowers and fruits

While the root system of the violets fights for a large underground territory, many offshoots develop. On the surface, the plant grows between 5 and 10 cm. It is persistent and herbaceous.

The leaves form a rosette covering the ground below. They are grass green in color and have stalks. The long stalk ends in a leaf blade that has a heart-shaped base. Overall, the leaves are kidney-shaped to ovate. Its edge shows many notches.

From March to April, the sweet violet begins its flowering period. It often feels stimulated to rebloom in the fall and blooms from September to October. Its flowers are fragrant and dark purple to purple in color. They later develop into small capsule fruits with three valves.

tips and tricks

No matter which violet - all types of violets are non-toxic and edible. With their pretty flowers, they also form an attractive component as a garnish for dishes.

Category:

Indoor plants