Origin and Common Names
Viola adunca Sm. ssp. oxyceras (S. Wats.) Piper, commonly known as the sharp-spurred violet, is a member of the Violaceae family. This plant is native to western North America, including Canada and the United States, and can be found from sea level to subalpine regions.
General Appearance
The sharp-spurred violet is a small perennial herb that grows up to 10 centimeters in height and can produce creeping stems that reach up to 50 centimeters. This plant has basal leaves that are heart-shaped or oval, with toothed margins and are typically 2 to 8 centimeters long. The flowers of this plant are light to dark blue or purple, with white or yellow throats, and usually have five petals. A distinctive feature of the sharp-spurred violet is the sharp or pointed spur at the base of the flower.
Uses
Viola adunca Sm. ssp. oxyceras (S. Wats.) Piper is an important plant in indigenous medicine. The leaves, flowers and roots of this plant have been used to treat a range of medical conditions, including fever, coughs, colds, headaches, skin sores, and digestive problems. Also, the plant has been used to make a blue-purple dye. The sharp-spurred violet is also an ornamental plant that can be grown in rock gardens or containers, or used as an edging plant in moist or wet areas.
Light Requirements
Viola adunca Sm. ssp. oxyceras (S. Wats.) Piper requires a moderate amount of sunlight to thrive. It prefers partial to full sun exposure and can tolerate some shade, especially during hot afternoons.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from cold to warm. It is generally tolerant to cold conditions and can survive in temperatures as low as -40 °F (-40°C). However, it prefers temperatures between 60 °F (15°C) and 80 °F (27°C) during the growing season.
Soil Requirements
Viola adunca Sm. ssp. oxyceras (S. Wats.) Piper thrives in well-draining soils with a pH of 5.0 to 7.0. It can grow in various soils, including sandy soils, loamy soils, and clay soils. However, it prefers to grow in soils rich in organic matter, which helps retain moisture.
Cultivation Methods
Viola adunca Sm. ssp. oxyceras (S. Wats.) Piper, commonly known as hookedspur violet, is a perennial wildflower that thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-draining soils and can grow in a variety of soil types, including loam, clay, and sandy soils.
This plant can be propagated through seed sowing or stem cuttings. Seed sowing is best done in the fall or early spring, while stem cuttings can be taken in the summer. Make sure that the soil is moist when propagating the plant.
When planting, make sure to space the plants about 6-12 inches apart to allow for proper growth and airflow.
Watering Needs
Hookedspur violet requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Watering once a week is usually sufficient, but this may depend on the climate and soil type. It's essential to avoid overhead watering, as this can lead to disease and fungal problems.
Fertilization
These wildflowers don't require heavy fertilization, but they can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. A good time to fertilize is after the first bloom. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid overfertilizing.
Pruning
Pruning isn't necessary for hookedspur violet, but it can promote bushier growth and increase blooming. Deadheading spent blooms can also encourage more flowers to bloom and prevent seed production. If the plant becomes leggy and less compact, trimming back some of the stems can help promote new growth.
Propagation of Viola adunca Sm. ssp. oxyceras
Viola adunca Sm. ssp. oxyceras, commonly known as hooked-spur violet, is propagated through both seed and vegetative methods. Being a member of the Viola genus, the plant is self-incompatible and requires cross-pollination to produce viable seeds.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Viola adunca Sm. ssp. oxyceras are collected from mature fruits that develop after successful pollination. The mature fruits split open, revealing small black seeds. The seeds can be sown directly in the ground or in containers. The recommended time for sowing the seeds is in early spring, as Viola adunca Sm. ssp. oxyceras is a cold-tolerant plant.
When sowing the seeds, it is important to keep the soil moist and well-drained. The ideal soil pH for Viola adunca Sm. ssp. oxyceras ranges from 5.5 to 6.5.
Vegetative Propagation
Viola adunca Sm. ssp. oxyceras can also be propagated vegetatively through division or cuttings. Division is usually done in spring or fall when the plant is dormant. The plant is carefully dug out from the ground, and the roots are gently separated into smaller sections. Each section is then planted in a new location with well-draining soil, and kept moist until it establishes.
Cuttings are also an effective means of propagating Viola adunca Sm. ssp. oxyceras. Softwood cuttings are taken in early summer and placed in well-drained soil with consistent moisture levels. Cuttings are preferably taken from the tips of new shoots, and should have at least two sets of leaves.
Common Diseases and Pests Affecting Viola adunca Sm. ssp. oxyceras
Like any other plant, Viola adunca Sm. ssp. oxyceras is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common ones:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, sunken lesions on leaves and stems. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant materials and avoid overhead watering. Use fungicides as a last resort.
Downy mildew: Downy mildew causes yellowing and browning of leaves, often followed by death of the affected plant parts. To manage downy mildew, ensure good air circulation, remove infected plant materials, and apply fungicides labeled for downy mildew control.
Root rot: Root rot is caused by several soil-borne fungi. Symptoms include yellowing, wilting, and stunting of the plant. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Remove infected plants and replant with disease-resistant varieties.
Pests
Aphids: These tiny insects feed on plant sap, causing leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or attract natural aphid predators like ladybugs.
Slugs and snails: These mollusks feed on leaves, leaving holes and slime trails. To manage slugs and snails, remove debris and weeds that provide shelter, handpick the pests, and use iron phosphate bait or diatomaceous earth around the plant.
Spider mites: These pests are tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye. Their feeding causes tiny yellow or white spots on leaves. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
