Herb: Canada Violet


Latin name: Viola canadensis


Family: Violaceae (Violet Family)



Medicinal use of Canada Violet:

A tea made from the roots has been used in the treatment of pain in the bladder region. The roots and leaves have traditionally been used to induce vomiting, they have also been poulticed and applied to skin abrasions and boils.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
40 cm
(1 foot)

Flowering:
April
to July

Habitat of the herb:

Rich soils in deciduous woods and forests in the mountains.

Edible parts of Canada Violet:

Young leaves and flower buds - raw or cooked. A very mild flavour, when boiled as greens they are best mixed with other stronger tasting leaves. When added to soup they thicken it in much the same way as okra. Flowers - raw. The leaves are a good tea substitute.

Propagation of the herb:

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 Canada Violet:

Rich soils in deciduous woods and forests in the mountains.

Known hazards of Viola canadensis:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.