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Common Blue Violet is the official Illinois State Flower, celebrated for its charming heart-shaped leaves and delicate purple flowers that bloom in early spring. It occupies an important niche as one of the first nectar and pollen sources in the spring, and will often take up this provider role again with a repeat bloom in the fall. Common Blue Violet is one of the only larval host plants for several species of fritillary butterflies, further adding to its ecological importance. Its flowers and young leaves are both edible, added to salads, cooked down, candied, jellied or used as garnish. It is highly adaptable and spreads readily via both seed and rhizome such that it functions well as a lush and ecologically beneficial ground cover.
Sun- Full, Partial, Shade
Soil- Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry
Bloom Time- April, May, June
Color- Purple
Height- 4 in