Smooth Yellow Violet
Viola eriocarpa
Also listed as Crocion achlydophyllum, Viola achlydophylla
Also known as Smooth Yellow Forest Violet
Climate Match for your location
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A delicate low-growing violet with smooth foliage and pale yellow flowers that bloom in spring. It is an ideal groundcover for woodland gardens and shaded areas with consistent moisture.
Why grow it
Viola eriocarpa differs from other native North American violets primarily in its consistent yellow flower color and smooth leaf texture, making it easier to identify in mixed plantings. It tolerates deeper shade than many groundcover alternatives while remaining lower-maintenance than ornamental hostas or ajuga in woodland settings. The spring bloom window aligns well with ephemeral wildflower displays in deciduous forests.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist but well-draining soil; prolonged waterlogging or drought stress can reduce vigor and flowering. In warmer climates or poorly ventilated sites, monitor for powdery mildew, which may require thinning for air circulation rather than chemical intervention.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Violaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate low-growing violet with smooth foliage and pale yellow flowers that bloom in spring. It is an ideal groundcover for woodland gardens and shaded areas with consistent moisture.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Smooth Yellow Violet grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Viola eriocarpa differs from other native North American violets primarily in its consistent yellow flower color and smooth leaf texture, making it easier to identify in mixed plantings. It tolerates deeper shade than many groundcover alternatives while remaining lower-maintenance than ornamental hostas or ajuga in woodland settings. The spring bloom window aligns well with ephemeral wildflower displays in deciduous forests.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist but well-draining soil; prolonged waterlogging or drought stress can reduce vigor and flowering. In warmer climates or poorly ventilated sites, monitor for powdery mildew, which may require thinning for air circulation rather than chemical intervention.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Violaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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