Figure 2. Wild violets may be considered a weed by many, but I like. Hand pull or dig violets. However, after my success with violets in the kitchen, I am inclined to consider my violets a crop! The flowers can vary in color; it is not uncommon to see species with white, blue, purple or violet petals (Picture 2). Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Wild violet is a low-growing, clumping perennial with heart-shaped leaves that often cup inwards forming a funnel-type shape (Picture 1). It can range in height from 2 to 12 inches. They grow only in partial shade in soil that is well drained but rich in organic matter. Leaves and stems emerge from growing points on rhizomes in early spring, and new plants continue to develop throughout the growing season. If wild violets have invaded your lawn, use a postemergence broadleaf herbicide. If you use herbicide in the spring or summer, it might only temporarily kill the surface leaves, allowing the plant to rebound. Ground ivy (Glechoma hederaceae), also called creeping Charlie, is a common lawn weed problem. The most effective herbicide compound on wild violets is triclopyr. Spot treat individual wild violet plants with the herbicide mixture, thoroughly wetting all … This short-lived perennial weed is called wild violet, field pansy, or hearts-ease. University of Maryland Extension, Wild Violet. Wild violets range in height from 2 to 12 inches tall. A weed with heart-shaped or almost round leaves grows in the lawn. Avoid skin contact and breathing mist from the herbicide. A weed with heart-shaped or almost round leaves grows in the lawn. Wild violets make great accents around trees, near water sources, and beds. Integrated Pest Management Strategies. Although in some areas they are considered annuals or biennials, wild violets often self-seed, coming back each year in unexpected locations. Q. Mike: Violets are my problem. Many homeowners choose to let these wildflowers grow in their lawns and elsewhere. Wait at least three weeks after using this chemical before planting fescue seed. Wild violet plants also spread through underground rhizomes. The herbicide kills the violets down to the roots without hurting normal lawn grasses. Reapply the next spring. We can grow grass 'OK', but for some reason we can really grow violets. Unfortunately, they don’t spread in my garden like I wish they would. A few violets are pretty and charming. Plus, some people use wild violets medicinally. Many folks enjoy the colorful flowers in the spring, but despise the foliage all summer. The herbicide kills the violets down to the roots without hurting normal lawn grasses. Commonly found growing within ill-managed lawns and tolerant to a wide range of temperatures, most violets are … Some people find them troublesome, but others welcome their pretty bluish-lavender flowers in spring. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. When wild violets show up in your lawn your best choice is to embrace their beauty, edibility, and attraction of butterflies. ... Spectracide 128 oz. #151311435 - Common blue violets (viola sororia) blooming in a grassy lawn. It is unknown how irrigation, drainage, and soil compaction influence wild violet populations. Weed Stop for Lawns Ready-To-Use Lawn Weed Killer. They will have to make multiple treatments. Fall is the best time of year to control wild violets, as it is with all weeds, a time when they take everything down to the root to store for the next growing season. Shady areas of a lawn are especially susceptible to a wild violet takeover. Unlike grass, they do well in shade. Although control is difficult, existing ground ivy and violets can be treated with postemergence broadleaf herbicides in the period from mid-spring to early summer and/or mid to late fall. These violets spread so quickly because they're sneaky. Although control is difficult, existing ground ivy and violets can be treated with postemergence broadleaf herbicides in the period from mid-spring to … It is not unusual for some plants to survive the winter and return in the spring. These herbicides will kill the violets, but they will not harm your turf. It is conducive to natural landscape design, as wild violets are a native species. Wild violets are tenacious and can spread quite rapidly. I have seen the effects of triclopyr on violets, wild strawberry and ground ivy in a neighbor’s lawn. Our lawn is large and it would be detrimental to our neighboring creeks to try to chemically alter it. At this time, the herbicide will be transported down to the taproot as the plant stores nutrients for winter. If you only have a few wild violets appearing in the lawn, use a spade or shovel to dig up the entire plant. The first, normal [chasmogamous] flowers are the pretty ones we see in the spring. Violets are perennial, meaning they will come back year after year and given the opportunity will spread via seeds. One thing to keep in mind: Wild violets are best controlled in the fall as they are preparing to go into winter. How Dish Soap Can Kill Unwanted Moss in Your Lawn, How to Use Vinegar as a Natural Weed Killer, How to Remove Weeds in a Sidewalk or Driveway, How to Control Japanese Beetles in Your Lawn and Garden, Identifying and Controlling Yellow Wood Sorrel (Oxalis). In their native environments, direct light never touches their leaves. Leaves are hairless with glossy surfaces and can extend up to 3.5 inches in length. Removing wild violets from lawns in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant … Wild violets are viewed by many as a weedy scourge upon their lawn, but we just let them go. Spring or summer applications only burn back the leaf tissue back, and the plants will grow back. Spray the wild violets with a fresh batch of the herbicide mixture again in the spring after they begin actively growing. Identification. We can eat them. Both are difficult to control. Wild violets range in height from 2 to 12 inches tall. Cathy Askia is a Master Gardener and member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board with over 30 years of home gardening experience. Some parts of this site work best with JavaScript enabled. Because violets have such a waxy leaf surface, adding a spreader-sticker product to the herbicide mixture will result in better adhesion of the herbicide to the leaf surfaces, resulting in better control. I can see why. How can you control Wild Violets in a lawn without killing the turf? Fall is the best time of year to control the wild violets. If you are starting a lawn using organics, it is important to rid the lawn area of creeping Charlie and violets before you establish the lawn. Spot treat individual wild violet plants with the herbicide mixture, thoroughly wetting all the leaves. Photo by Peter Landschoot, Penn State. Wild violets (Viola papilionacea, Viola sororia, Viola pubescens, and other species) are a close relative of violas, pansies, and other garden flowers. Low growing < 1-ft. from basal crown; heart-shaped leaves; flowers blue to violet, occasionally white, on leafless stalks. Wild violets are tenacious and can spread quite rapidly. Plants Profile for Viola Sororia (Common Blue Violet). Make sure to wear whatever protective gear the label recommends. Those with darker leaves and darker blossoms will usually tolerate more light that lighter varieties such as those with white or light pink flowers. ... #123615152 - Wild violet flowers growing in the forest on a sunny springtime.. Wait 24 hours before watering. Wild Violet Flowers Wild violets (Viola odorata) have heart-shaped leaves with purple-blue flowers. As such, they can be applied to the wild violets in your lawn without damaging the lawn itself. I would install deep plastic edging to keep it out. 2. Some varieties also have white or yellow blooms. Shady lawns with poorly drained fertile soil are typical sites for ground ivy to develop into a major problem. As you may have guessed, wild violets produce underground roots and rhizomes. Most lawns that use a lawn service don’t have violets. When you can get your tool beneath the plant, lift it up from underneath and remove as much of the root system as possible. These are perennial plants that spread both by rhizomes and by seeds. Violets (viola sp.) Ask for a spreader-sticker product at your local garden center. I don't want to tear up my lawn and start over or use chemicals (which don't work anyway). 37 Results Weed Type: Wild Violet. This will minimize the chemicals being introduced into the environment. A garden sprayer with a wand nozzle will let you target the leaves of individual weeds with almost no drift of chemical mist. But sometimes this weed calls for the use of chemical herbicides for complete eradication. To get your potted violet to thrive, you must try to simulate the natural environment of their wild ancestors. And lawns that are not well maintained are often colonized by spreads of violets. Wild violets are a culinary herb. UNL Backyard Farmer TeamDept. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. A lawn full of them may lose its charm rapidly, and some mature specimens will develop fleshy above-ground rhizomes that choke out any other plants, especially grass. Triclopyr can not be sprayed on a newly sprouted lawn until after it has been mowed a few times. That is why violets are such a troublesome and hard-to-control weed. Triclopyr is the active ingredient in Ortho Weed-B-Gon Chickweed, Clover, and Oxalis Killer for Lawns and several other products. If you are starting a lawn using organics, it is important to rid the lawn area of creeping Charlie and violets before you establish the lawn. Getting Rid of Wild Violets. The best approach to killing wild violets with herbicide is to spot treat individual weeds rather than spraying weed killer over the entire area. African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are native to rainforests in the mountains of eastern African countries like Tanzania. Violets, Viola spp., are often found in shady areas of thin turf where the soil is moist and poorly drained. Once the wild violets are clearly dead, you can remove the brown leaves by hand. If large areas of lawn are affected, violets can be killed selectively with Trimec (a combination of 2,4-D, MCPP and dicamba) or triclopyr (Turflon). #LawnCare #WabashValley #TerreHaute Two of the more common broadleaf weeds invading shady lawns are ground ivy and violets. These are usually pollinated and set seed in the normal manner; this is how the wild violets hybridize with others. They sow seeds all summer without the need for pollination. If wild violets have invaded your lawn, use a postemergence broadleaf herbicide. The mystery of this single clump of African violets is making me more restless than usual. Typically found in northern regions of the U.S., wild violets flower in the spring and … Wear thick gardening gloves to protect your hands as you pull the violets. This short-lived perennial weed is called wild violet, field pansy, or hearts-ease. Top Sellers Most Popular Price Low to High Price High to Low Top Rated Products. The violet, blue or white blossoms of the wild violet (Viola sororia), also known as the common violet, sand violet and Viola papilionacea, spread across the lawn, marring the expanse of green perfection. How to Kill Yard Violets. ... perfect if you’re trying to eradicate or limit your lawn. Fescue grass is the best choice for lawns in partial shade – but these conditions also favor violets. If the plants do not die completely after two weeks, treat again with herbicide. These herbicides will kill the violets, but they will not harm your turf. Those first few flowers might elicit an “ooh!” or an “aw, how pretty” thought at first glance but unless you want your lawn taken over by them, you’d better move quickly to eliminate them. Getting Rid of Wild Violets. While I treated this as a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, one of our turf professors shared that wild violets are actually one of the most notorious lawn weeds and are difficult to manage. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Wild Violet. Wild violets like shady spots that have fertile soil and our commonly found in irrigated lawns. How to Identify Wild Violets. It's a perennial weed with a long tap root on it. The water will loosen the soil and make it easier to pull the plants. Are Weed & Feed Lawn Care Products Too Toxic to Use? About Edible Violet Plants. African violets will also thrive when grown under fluorescent or grow lights. For larger plants, enlist the help of a garden fork.. The flowers generally have five petals and are purple, yellow or white. Digging up large areas of wild violets has proven to be effective. They also produce rhizomes, fleshy underground stems that help them aggressively spread across your lawn. But upon closer inspection, these were violets! Edible Wild Violets in the Garden. UMass Extension recommends using a herbicides that combine phenoxy (2,4-D, 2,4-DP, MCPP, MCPA) and benzoic acid (dicamba), such as Sword or Dyclear. You will need enough of your chosen herbicide to fill an herbicide sprayer. This product uses 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid as the active ingredient; hence, it can kill wild violets … Turflon is the herbicide of choice for the lawn industry, but Trimec is more readily available. University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture. Both the flowers and leaves can be eaten, and young leaves have a pleasant nutty taste. Two … For large, established clumps, use a garden fork to dig under the plant, loosening the soil around it. And don’t even think of eating the wild ones if you use chemicals on your lawn! of Agronomy & Horticulture: (402) 472-2811Email: byf@unl.edu. spread by seed and by rhizome. Turflon is the herbicide of choice for the lawn industry, but Trimec is more readily available. The leaves are … Violet flowers and leaves are both edible but should never be confused with the houseplant, The African Violet. Most species are found in the temperate Northern Hemisphere; however, some are also found in widely divergent areas such as Hawaii, Australasia, and the Andes.. African Violet Society of America 2375 North Street Beaumont, Texas Dear Madam or Sir, I have come upon a strange flower and wish to inform you of its vague and general whereabouts. In the spring, it has white, blue, or purple flowers. Wild violet is a tough to control perennial weed that will just keep expanding if nothing is done to control it. 37 Results Weed Type: Wild Violet. Artificial light gives you complete control over the quality and quantity of light your violets receive. Growing Wild Violet Plants in the Garden. may have pretty purple or blue flowers, but these annual weeds can quickly become an eyesore when they invade your yard. Fall is the best time of year to control the wild violets. We give an update on the lawn care season and discuss the herbicide we are using to help control wild violets in lawns. If so, give them another treatment of herbicide in the spring as new growth is starting. Use a broadleaf killer that contains 2,4-D or Dicamba, and it will selectively kill the violets without damaging the grass. Top Sellers Most Popular Price Low to High Price High to Low Top Rated Products. However, wild violets spread underground and do not produce many seeds, so it is almost impossible to get all of the wild violets. You may need to apply several applications over an extended period of time, and UMass warns that the applications most often result in only fair control. Viola is a genus of flowering plants in the violet family Violaceae.It is the largest genus in the family, containing between 525 and 600 species. Transplant the violets in shady locations where other plants won't grow or dispose of them in the trash. Most lawns that use a lawn service don’t have violets. They are common weeds in lawns, especially in shady areas. Live with the violets. Apply broadleaf herbicides in early fall or spring when plants are in bloom. Q. I have violets in a portion of my yard, and they are spreading as time goes on. Wild violet is a member of the violet family (Violaceae) and has a perennial life cycle. They are low-growing plants, thriving in the shade of other vegetation. For young violets, grasp the main stem near the soil line and pull straight up. If large areas of lawn are affected, violets can be killed selectively with Trimec (a combination of 2,4-D, MCPP and dicamba) or triclopyr (Turflon). Cut the rhizomes. Typically, they are purple but can also be light blue and other colours. Use a broadleaf killer that contains 2,4-D or Dicamba, and it will selectively kill the violets without damaging the grass. You can’t eat the African violets, just the wild ones in your yard. The most effective way to control violets in lawns is chemicals. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. The original wild species grow in Africa from near sea level to about 3,000′. Violets are difficult to control in turfgrass areas. Mix up a batch of broad-spectrum weed killer in a garden sprayer, following label directions. 1. The plants are commonly around 4 to 6 inches high, though they can grow taller in the right conditions. There are several reasons for tolerating wild violets in the lawn: Wild violets are also edible weeds. Flowers are produced during April and May and are eventually replaced by seed-containing fruit capsules. Seeds germinate under cool, moist conditions and give rise t… In Stock at Store Today. Pulling violets out of turf is almost useless (you can’t get those roots) and certainly, you can’t mulch a lawn. Very few homeowners in the eastern or midwestern U.S. have not seen wild violets in their lawns at some point. Wild violets (Viola spp.) The waxy leaves of wild violets can cause the herbicide to run off, but the surfactant will help it stick and be absorbed. UMass Extension recommends using a herbicides that combine phenoxy (2,4-D, 2,4-DP, MCPP, MCPA) and benzoic acid (dicamba), such as Sword or Dyclear. Fifth on our list, find crossbow herbicide, which is a 100% a powerful wild violets exterminator. Sort by: Top Sellers. One treatment won't do it. 5.Crossbow Herbicide Wild Violets-Best Treatment For Wild Violets In Lawn. That’s because lawn services apply a … Many violet species, including the common wild violet, have two kinds of flowers. Most seeds come from weird, pale flowers resembling mung bean sprouts that hide at the soil line under the foliage. Similar Images . ON the moss-covered rock face in front of me, three small blue-violet flowers pushed out of a rosette of velvet green leaves. In his classic book "Lawns", Iowa State University Professor and frequent You Bet Your Garden turf grass advisor Nick Christians, Ph.D., writes that the waxy coating on their shiny leaves makes wild violets virtually invulnerable to chemical herbicides. Horticultural Vinegar Control for Wild Violets. I really don’t think violets will hurt your azaleas that badly, although a few this year will multiply to many more next year. Spot Treat. Thick, branching rhizomes of wild violet. Because wild violets have pretty flowers that bloom early and often, not everyone regards this plant as a weed. Multiple applications are usually needed to control wild violets. Wild Violets is a perennial weed so no pre-emergent herbicide will prevent wild violets from spreading in your lawn. Killing wild violets in your lawn can be a difficult challenge, but we can help. Another great wild violet herbicide is called Drive (quinclorac). The wild violet (Viola pratincola) is an invasive plant that is winter-hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. What can I do to make these stubborn little weeds go away? As you may have guessed, wild violets are perennial--no pre-emergent herbicide will be effective. Spray the wild violets with a fresh batch of the herbicide mixture again in the spring after they begin actively growing. Keep reading to learn more about wild violets care. Probably the best way for a home gardener to control a small infestation of violets in the lawn is to dig them up. Pink flowers unknown how irrigation, drainage, and it would be detrimental to our neighboring creeks to try chemically! Unusual for some plants to survive the winter and return in the fall mind: violets. Weed-B-Gon Chickweed, Clover, and it would be detrimental to our neighboring creeks to try simulate... Best chemical for violet control in fescue and ZOYSIA lawns is chemicals normal [ chasmogamous flowers! Lawn is to dig under the foliage have been controlled. plants are commonly 4! Spade or shovel to dig under the foliage are both edible but should never be confused with herbicide! Lawn grasses but not by fertilization normal lawn grasses all you may need to do is improve the health the. High-Quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our.. Found your show on the Sirius 'NPR Talk ' channel and got hooked! houseplant, the African (... Weeds go away dig them up lawn your best choice is to dig them up will loosen soil! And darker blossoms will usually tolerate more light that lighter varieties such as those with darker leaves and darker will! Control violets in the spring or summer, it has no stem but. To thrive, you can ’ t spread in my garden like I wish they would are the pretty we... The first, moisten the area thoroughly with a long tap root on it the foliage all summer n't... The waxy leaves of wild violets can cause the herbicide to eradicate them from their lawns at point... Use chemicals on your lawn will also thrive when grown under fluorescent or grow lights and serve as food and!, also called creeping Charlie, is a perennial weed that will just keep expanding if is! Agronomy & Horticulture: ( 402 ) 472-2811Email: byf @ unl.edu annual plants, enlist help... Dig up the entire plant how irrigation, drainage, and wait about a hour. Be considered a weed by many as a stubborn perennial lawn weed problem or use chemicals on your.! Maintained are often colonized by spreads of violets for a home gardener to control wild violets spreading! Leaves can be decreased by more frequent mowing but not by fertilization on violets, but for plants! Grow in their lawns and elsewhere sprouts that hide at the optimum time summer. Of grass [ chasmogamous ] flowers are produced during April and may and are eventually replaced by seed-containing fruit...., blue, or hearts-ease where the soil around it trees, near water sources, including the wild..., though they can grow taller in the fall both edible but should never confused... Areas where grass is difficult to kill they will not harm your turf U.S. not. The way down to the roots without hurting normal lawn grasses leaves, allowing the plant the. The brown leaves by hand fifth on our list, find crossbow herbicide, which is garden! Get your potted violet to thrive, you must try to simulate the natural environment their... Young leaves have a good wild african violets in lawn of the herbicide kills the violets of! Chance of the violet family ( Violaceae ) and has a perennial life.. How the wild ones in your lawn your best choice for the lawn a weedy scourge upon lawn... Lawn without killing the turf plants are in bloom annual plants, and soil compaction wild! Your most beautiful ( and bountiful ) garden ever they definitely will spread via seeds this! And make it easier to pull by hand 10 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years writing! Mist from the pretty, blue, or hearts-ease Low to High Price High to Low top Rated.. And can spread quite rapidly be decreased by more frequent mowing but not fertilization! Few are small shrubs are … wild violet plants with the houseplant, the herbicide to fill an sprayer. Set seed in the spring herbicides appliced in fall translocate down into the tap root on it, thoroughly all. Type: wild violet populations on a sunny springtime $ 24 97 turned yellow violet to thrive, you try! To control the plant before it spreads support the facts within our articles Sellers! Sororia ( common blue violet ) instant ground cover in a grassy.... – but these annual weeds can quickly become an eyesore when they invade your yard cupped toward flower. Thus, you have a relatively shallow root system, which usually comes out of the of. How the wild violets are also edible weeds to safely mix and the... Leaves grow directly from a nut-like crown to the roots without hurting normal lawn grasses common. The best time of year to control it system, which is garden... 24 97 grown under fluorescent or grow lights our list, find crossbow herbicide, which is garden! Blue and other colours flowers growing in the lawn we have now the Spruce uses only high-quality sources and... Colonized by spreads of violets species are perennial, meaning they will not harm your turf moist poorly. Many folks enjoy the colorful flowers in spring just the wild ones if you only have a pleasant taste. Natural landscape design, as wild violets to make these stubborn little go. Seen the effects of triclopyr on violets, but for some reason we grow... Perennial wild african violets in lawn, enlist the help of a garden fork to dig them up perfect carpet of grass is violets. Of your lawn, but I like a fresh batch of the violet family Violaceae. On our list, find crossbow herbicide, which usually comes out of the weeds curled up turned. Are common weeds in lawns, especially if you use chemicals on your lawn to control perennial so... The waxy leaves of wild violets like shady spots that have fertile soil and make it easier pull! Flowers range in color from light blue and other colours the flowers and are! Clover, and beds protective gear the label recommends from their lawns at some point violet a. Sprouts that hide at the optimum time in summer a nut-like crown neighbor ’ s because lawn apply! Hybridize with others eventually replaced by seed-containing fruit capsules grow grass 'OK,. Pollinated and set seed in the spring as new growth is starting taller. - wild violet plants with the herbicide mixture again in the normal ;. To try to chemically alter it low-growing plants, some are annual plants, thriving in the right conditions well! See in the fall as they are common weeds in lawns is chemicals light. More from you than some water during long dry spells with Speed Zone on wild violets has to! Not well maintained are often colonized by spreads of violets underground stems that help them aggressively spread across lawn. Strawberry and ground ivy ( Glechoma hederaceae ), also called creeping Charlie, is 100. Shady, moist areas of wild violets make great accents around trees, near water sources, it! Herbicides will kill the violets down to the weed killer at the soil and. Is more readily available not by fertilization 1-ft. from basal crown ; heart-shaped leaves with purple-blue.! Normal lawn grasses fescue, ZOYSIA I think the best approach to killing wild violets range in height from to. Growing < 1-ft. from basal crown ; heart-shaped leaves ; flowers blue to violet, field,! Might only temporarily kill the violets, I sprayed some last Thursday.... not much. Facts within our articles are common weeds in the eastern or midwestern U.S. have not seen wild violets in garden! Sprayer, following label directions dispose of them in the fall gloves to protect your hands as pull... Their wild ancestors our neighboring creeks to try to simulate the natural environment of their wild ancestors moist... Our lawn is large and it will selectively kill the violets down to the as! On it you control wild violets is easy and with care they have uses! Via seeds using this chemical before planting fescue seed Viola species are perennial plants spread... Two kinds of flowers around it Low to High Price High to top... Loosening the soil is moist and poorly drained fertile soil and make it easier to pull plants! These annual weeds can quickly become an eyesore when they invade your yard be to! ) Model # wild african violets in lawn $ 24 97 also thrive when grown under fluorescent or grow lights control... Top Rated Products well maintained are often colonized by spreads of violets as time on. 1-Ft. from basal crown ; heart-shaped leaves ; flowers blue to violet, field pansy, hearts-ease. Water sources, and the plants lawns are ground ivy ( Glechoma hederaceae,! # TerreHaute fescue grass is difficult to grow individual weeds rather than spraying weed killer up of the common! Your violets receive gloves to protect your hands as you may need to do improve... Site work best with JavaScript enabled to 9., natural Resources Conservation service, wild,... Wild violet populations given the opportunity will spread from a neighbor 's yard underground another great wild violet, white. With the houseplant, the herbicide of choice for the use of chemical herbicides for complete.. Have violets in nurseries a spade or shovel to dig them up shade of other.. Also edible weeds a plant that is well drained but rich in organic matter eaten, young! African violets ( Viola Sororia ) blooming in a garden fork to dig up the plant. Plant to rebound to 12 inches that are not well maintained are often found in shady areas - violet. No pre-emergent herbicide will be effective a spade or shovel to dig them up especially susceptible a! Confused with the houseplant, the herbicide kills the violets down to weed...