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Wild Pansy

Viola tricolor

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Plant Profile
Similar Species
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Malpighiales

Family:

Violaceae (Violet)

Also in this family:

Common Dog Violet, Dune Pansy, Dwarf Pansy, Fen Violet, Field Pansy, Garden Pansy, Hairy Violet, Heath Dog Violet, Horned Pansy, Marsh Violet, Mountain Pansy, Pale Dog Violet, Sweet Violet, Teesdale Violet, Wood Dog Violet

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Annual or Perennial

Maximum Size:

25 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Beaches, fields, gardens, grassland, meadows, sand dunes, seaside, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:

Variable in colour, 5 petals

Either violet-coloured or violet and yellow, rarely entirely yellow, up to 2.5cm. Spur is longer than sepals.

Fruit:

A 3-valved capsule, splitting open when ripe to release the seeds.

Leaves:

Alternate, short stalks, stipules present. The leaves are broadly lanceolate in shape and have round-toothed margins. The stipules are pinnate and leafy and the lobes are lanceolate with toothed margins.

Other Names:

Banewort, Banwort, Bird's-Eye, Bouncing Bet, Bullweed, Call-me-to-you, Come-and-cuddle-me, Cuddle Me, Cull Me, European Wild Pansy, Flower-o'luce, Godfathers and Godmothers, Heart's Delight, Heart's-ease, Hens-and-Roosters, Herb Constancy, Herb Trinitas, Jack-jump-up-and-kiss-me, Johnny Jump Up, Johnny Jumper, Johnny-jump-up, Jump-up, Kiss-her-in-the-Buttery, Kiss-me-quick, Kit-run-about, Kit-run-in-the-Fields, Ladies' Delight, Live-in-Idleness, Love Idol, Love-in-Idleness, Love-lies-Bleeding, Loving Idol, Meet-me-in-the-Entry, Miniature Pansy, Pansy Violet, Pink-eyed John, Pink-o'-the-Eye, Stepmother, Three-coloured Violet, Three-Faces-in-a-Hood, Three-Faces-under-a-Hood, Tickle-my-fancy, Trinitaria, Wild Violet.

Frequency (UK):

Occasionally seen

Dune Pansy

Field Pansy

Summary

Viola tricolor, commonly known as wild pansy, heartsease, or Johnny-jump-up, is a species of flowering plant in the violet family, Violaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia and is typically found growing in meadows, woodlands, and along forest edges. It has small, brightly colored flowers that come in shades of blue, purple, yellow, and white. The leaves are also edible, and have been traditionally used in salads and sandwiches. It is a hardy and easy to grow, it can be propagated by seed or division and it's often used in wildflower gardens and meadows. It is also a parent species of the popular hybrid pansy, Viola x wittrockiana, which is often used in ornamental gardening. Some subspecies of V. tricolor like V. tricolor curtsii and V. tricolor subsp. semperflorens are considered threatened species in some areas due to habitat loss.

Blog

Wild Pansy, scientifically known as Viola tricolor, is a beautiful and delicate plant that belongs to the Violaceae family. Also commonly known as Heartsease, Johnny-jump-up, or Wild Violet, Wild Pansy is native to Europe and western Asia but can now be found in many parts of the world.

Wild Pansy is a short-lived perennial that typically grows up to 20 centimeters in height. It is an annual or biennial plant that produces a basal rosette of leaves during its first year and then produces stems and flowers in the second year. The leaves of Wild Pansy are oval in shape and have toothed edges. They are light green in color and have long petioles. The flowers are small, measuring about 1.5 centimeters in diameter, and come in various colors, including blue, purple, yellow, white, and a combination of these colors.

Wild Pansy is an adaptable plant that can grow in various types of soil and under different lighting conditions. It thrives in well-draining soil and prefers partial shade to full sun. Wild Pansy blooms from early spring to late fall, with the peak bloom occurring in the summer months. The flowers are pollinated by insects, especially bees and butterflies, and produce seeds that are dispersed by the wind.

Wild Pansy has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and has been used to treat skin conditions, respiratory problems, and menstrual cramps. Wild Pansy also contains antioxidants that help protect the body against oxidative stress.

Apart from its medicinal uses, Wild Pansy is also used in the cosmetic industry. It is a common ingredient in skin care products due to its soothing and moisturizing properties. Wild Pansy extracts are also used in hair care products to promote hair growth and reduce dandruff.

In addition to its practical uses, Wild Pansy has also been used in folklore and mythology. In ancient Greece, Wild Pansy was associated with love and was believed to be a symbol of the god of love, Eros. The flower was also used as a love potion and was thought to have the power to make people fall in love.

Wild Pansy has also been used in culinary practices. The flowers and leaves are edible and are often used in salads or as a garnish. They have a slightly sweet and grassy flavor and can add a pop of color to any dish.

In addition to its practical uses, Wild Pansy is also an important plant for wildlife. The flowers provide a valuable source of nectar for bees and butterflies, and the leaves are a food source for several butterfly larvae, including the Small Tortoiseshell and the Red Admiral.

Wild Pansy is also a popular garden plant, often grown as an ornamental. It is a low-maintenance plant that can be grown in containers or borders. It is often used as a groundcover or to fill in gaps in a garden.

While Wild Pansy is generally considered safe, it can cause skin irritation in some people. It is also important to note that Wild Pansy should not be consumed in large quantities, as it can have a laxative effect.

In addition to its various uses, Wild Pansy has also inspired many artists throughout history. Its beautiful colors and delicate features have been captured in paintings, drawings, and even poetry. In William Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Wild Pansy is mentioned as a symbol of love and is referred to as "Cupid's flower."

Wild Pansy has also been used in traditional herbalism to treat a wide range of ailments. The plant is rich in flavonoids, saponins, and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. It has been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and acne, respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis, and digestive issues like constipation and bloating.

In some cultures, Wild Pansy is also believed to have spiritual properties. It is said to represent humility and is associated with the heart chakra, which is believed to govern emotions such as love, compassion, and forgiveness.

Wild Pansy has also been used in traditional European medicine to treat a range of conditions related to the heart and circulation. It was believed to have a positive effect on the heart and was used to treat conditions such as palpitations, heartache, and high blood pressure.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Wild Pansy is believed to have a cooling effect on the body and is used to treat conditions such as fever, sore throat, and inflammation.

In addition to its medicinal properties, Wild Pansy has also been used in traditional dyeing practices. The flowers produce a natural dye that can be used to color fabric and yarn. The dye produces a range of colors, including yellow, green, and blue.

Wild Pansy is also a popular plant in the floral industry. Its delicate flowers are often used in bouquets and flower arrangements, and are popular in weddings and other special occasions.

Overall, Wild Pansy is a versatile and multi-purpose plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal, culinary, and aesthetic properties. Its delicate beauty, ease of cultivation, and practical applications make it a popular plant for gardeners, herbalists, and artists alike.

Facts about Wild Pansy

Here are 20 facts about Wild Pansy (Viola tricolor):

Wild Pansy is a member of the Violaceae family and is also known as Heartsease or Johnny Jump Up.
It is a low-growing plant that produces small, delicate flowers in shades of purple, yellow, and white.
Wild Pansy is native to Europe and western Asia, but it is now found in many parts of the world.
The plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments, including skin conditions, respiratory problems, and digestive issues.
Wild Pansy is also used in culinary practices, and its flowers and leaves are edible.
The plant is an important source of nectar for bees and butterflies, and its leaves are a food source for several butterfly larvae.
Wild Pansy is a popular garden plant and is often grown as an ornamental.
The plant has inspired many artists throughout history and has been used as a symbol of love and humility.
Wild Pansy has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties.
The plant has a cooling effect on the body and is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever and inflammation.
Wild Pansy has been used in traditional dyeing practices and produces a range of colors.
The plant is also popular in the floral industry and is often used in bouquets and flower arrangements.
Wild Pansy is an annual or perennial plant that prefers full sun or partial shade and well-draining soil.
The plant can be grown from seed or propagated by division.
Wild Pansy should be watered regularly and fertilized occasionally.
The plant can be prone to powdery mildew and other fungal diseases.
Wild Pansy is generally considered safe, but it can cause skin irritation in some people.
The plant should not be consumed in large quantities, as it can have a laxative effect.
Wild Pansy is a valuable addition to any garden or landscape due to its beauty and practical uses.
The plant is a symbol of love, humility, and compassion in many cultures.

Wild Pansy is a versatile plant with many uses and benefits. From traditional medicine to culinary practices to its importance for wildlife, Wild Pansy is a valuable addition to any garden or landscape. Its delicate beauty and practical uses make it a plant that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The plant has a rich history and has been used for centuries in various cultures for its medicinal, culinary, and aesthetic properties. It is a popular garden plant, a source of inspiration for artists, and a symbol of love and compassion.