medicinal herbs
Western Dog Violet
Viola adunca

• Medicinal herbs
• Natural herbs
• Latin names
• Common names

Herb: Western Dog Violet

Latin name: Viola adunca

Family: Violaceae (Violet Family)

Medicinal use of Western Dog Violet:

An infusion of the leaves and roots has been used to treat stomach problems and asthma in children. An infusion of the roots and leaves has been used as a wash and poultice on sore and swollen joints. The roots and leaves have been chewed by women during childbirth. A poultice of the chewed leaves has been applied to sore eyes. A poultice of the crushed flowers has been applied to the side or chest in the treatment of pain.

Description of the plant:

Habitat of the herb:

Damp banks and edges of meadows in most forest communities, 1500 - 2400 metres from Alaska to N. California.

Edible parts of Western Dog Violet:

Young leaves and flower buds - raw or cooked. When added to soup they thicken it in much the same way as okra. A tea can be made from the dried leaves.

Other uses of the herb:

A blue dye can be obtained from the flowers.

Propagation of Western Dog Violet:

Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in early spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Division in the autumn or just after flowering. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, though we have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Damp banks and edges of meadows in most forest communities, 1500 - 2400 metres from Alaska to N. California.

Known hazards of Viola adunca:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.