Common Blue Violet

Viola sororia — Violaceae

Italiano: Viola americana — Blue violet

common blue violet

Description

Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia) belongs to the Violaceae family and is native to NAmerica. It thrives in Lawns, Woodland edges, Gardens environments across regions including Eastern USA, Canada.

Botanically, Common Blue Violet is leaves salad vitamin C. Flowers candied. Native American food.. It is also known locally as Blue violet.

The edible parts include Leaves, Flowers. With an edibility rating of 8/10, it ranks as an excellent wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, March and May.

Nutritionally, Common Blue Violet stands out for its Vitamin K (50.0mg, 42% DV), Vitamin C (30.0mg, 33% DV) and Vitamin A (100.0mg, 11% DV). It also provides 2.5g protein and 2.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving.

In the kitchen, Common Blue Violet offers a Mild fresh flavor profile. Raw leaves candied flowers. Common culinary applications include salad, candied flowers. Popular preparations include Candied violet flowers, Violet leaf salad, Sauteed greens with garlic, Wild green pesto.

For storage, fresh 3d.

Safety note: No toxicity. Antinutrient content is saponins trace. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

Foragers should collect common blue violet during Mar, Apr and May. Choose young, vibrant parts for optimal flavor and nutrition. Avoid specimens near polluted areas, roadsides, or treated agricultural land.

Field identification relies on recognizing the plant in its natural habitat — typically lawns, woodland edges, gardens. Flowers, leaf arrangement, and growth habit provide the most reliable identification markers. Always consult at least two independent botanical sources.

Traditional NAmerica communities have long valued common blue violet as a seasonal wild food. Its reliable growth and nutritional density made it a valuable resource during lean periods and food scarcity.

In contemporary cuisine, common blue violet pairs excellently with olive oil, garlic, and citrus. It complements wild herbs, foraged mushrooms, and hearty grains. Experiment with both raw preparations and slow-cooked dishes to appreciate its full range.

Edibility

8/10
Toxicity: No toxicity
Antinutrients: Saponins trace
Safe lookalikes: No edible violet
Dangerous: No poisonous violet

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Leaves, Flowers
Preparation: Raw leaves candied flowers
Flavor: Mild fresh

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.5g
Fat: 0.3g
Fiber: 2.0g
Vitamin C: 30.0mg (33%DV)
Vitamin A: 100mcg (11%DV)
Vitamin E: 1.0mg (6%DV)
Vitamin K: 50mcg (41%DV)
Folate (B9): 15mcg (3%DV)
Calcium: 40.0mg (3%DV)
Iron: 0.9mg (5%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 150mg (3%DV)
Zinc: 0.4mg (3%DV)

Culinary Uses

salad, candied flowers

Storage

Fresh 3d

Recipes

  • Candied violet flowers
  • Violet leaf salad
  • Sauteed greens with garlic
  • Wild green pesto
  • Leafy green soup
  • Wild Common Blue Violet salad
  • Foraged Common Blue Violet pesto
  • Roasted Common Blue Violet

Where It Grows

Continent: NAmerica
Regions: Eastern USA, Canada
Habitat: Lawns, Woodland edges, Gardens