Summary
Viola adunca Sm. var. bellidifolia (Greene) Harrington is a sub-species of the Viola adunca plant family. It is identified by its distinct bell-shaped leaves and purple-blue flowers. The plant is native to North America and is commonly found in various regions throughout the United States and Canada.
Appearance
Viola adunca Sm. var. bellidifolia is a small plant, growing up to six inches in height. The leaves of the plant are distinct, shaped like small bells with pointed tips. They are hairy and grow in a basal rosette. The plant produces delicate, purple-blue flowers with five petals that grow on thin stems. The flowers have a sweet scent and bloom in late spring and early summer.
Common Names
Viola adunca Sm. var. bellidifolia is commonly known as the early blue violet or oval-leaved violet. Other common names include hooked-spur violet, sand violet, and western dog violet.
Uses
The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as asthma, coughs, and respiratory infections. The leaves of the plant have also been used to make tea and as a salad green. Additionally, the plant is valued for its ornamental qualities and is often grown in gardens or used in landscaping to create a natural and wild appearance.
Light Requirements
Viola adunca Sm. var. bellidifolia (Greene) Harrington prefers to grow in partial shade to full sun conditions. It can tolerate shade, but the plant may not produce many flowers. In areas that have hot summers, require some afternoon shade to avoid leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers to grow in cooler environments. It requires a minimum temperature of -18°C and a maximum temperature of 30°C. A temperature range of 15°C to 27°C is ideal for its growth and development. The plant can tolerate occasional frost, making it suitable for growing in higher elevations.
Soil Requirements
Viola adunca Sm. var. bellidifolia (Greene) Harrington grows well in well-draining, moist soils. It prefers soils that are rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant requires loamy soils, but it can tolerate sandy soils. Ensure that the soil is not compacted or waterlogged as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Viola adunca Sm. var. bellidifolia (Greene) Harrington is a perennial plant that prefers a shady or partially shaded location. It can withstand dry conditions but does best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can be propagated from seed or division and should be planted in the spring or fall.
Watering Needs
Viola adunca Sm. var. bellidifolia (Greene) Harrington requires moderate watering and should be watered deeply once a week. The soil should be allowed to dry partially between watering to avoid overwatering. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can increase the risk of disease.
Fertilization
Viola adunca Sm. var. bellidifolia (Greene) Harrington requires minimal fertilization and will do well with a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the early spring. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth that can make the plant leggy and weak.
Pruning
Viola adunca Sm. var. bellidifolia (Greene) Harrington does not require pruning, but it can be helpful to remove dead leaves and blooms to keep the plant looking tidy. This can also encourage the plant to produce more blooms. If the plant begins to look straggly, it can be cut back to promote new growth.
Propagation of Viola adunca Sm. var. bellidifolia (Greene) Harrington
Viola adunca Sm. var. bellidifolia (Greene) Harrington, commonly known as western dog violet, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Violaceae family. It is native to western North America and is found in various habitats such as open woods, grassy meadows, and rocky slopes. Propagation of Viola adunca Sm. var. bellidifolia can be done through several methods which include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature plants during the fall when the seed pods have become dry and start to split open. The seeds can then be sown in a seed propagation tray filled with a mixture of compost and soil. Place the tray in a greenhouse or an area with bright, indirect light with a temperature of approximately 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Keep the soil moist and the seeds should germinate in 4 to 6 weeks.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is typically done during the spring when the plant begins to grow new shoots. The mature plant can be dug up, and using a sharp tool, the root ball can be divided into smaller sections, each with several shoots. The new sections can then be potted up in individual containers filled with compost and soil mixture. Place plants in a well-lit area with a temperature of approximately 15 to 20 degrees Celsius until they start to establish.
Cuttings Propagation
Viola adunca Sm. var. bellidifolia can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings can be taken during the summer from new growth. Cuttings should be around 5 cm long and taken from the tips of the growing shoots. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Then place the cutting into a pot filled with a mix of soil and perlite, and keep it humid and well-ventilated by covering it with a plastic bag. Cuttings should begin to root within 3 to 4 weeks.
Disease Management
Viola adunca var. bellidifolia is susceptible to several diseases. The most common disease is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that causes a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, avoid overhead watering and maintain good air circulation. Regularly remove the affected plant parts and treat the plant with a fungicide spray.
Another common disease that affects the plant is root rot, caused by fungi such as Pythium and Phytophthora. This disease causes the roots to rot, and the plant will show stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting. The best way to manage root rot is to prevent overwatering, use well-draining soil, and avoid planting in areas with poor drainage.
Bacterial leaf spot is another disease that affects viola adunca var. bellidifolia. This disease is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris, and it appears as yellow to brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and treat the plant with copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Several pests can also affect viola adunca var. bellidifolia. Aphids are common pests that suck the sap from the plant and cause the leaves to curl. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soaps or neem oil spray. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators that can also help control the aphid population.
Spider mites are other common pests that feed on the plant's sap and cause yellowing of leaves. To manage this pest, regularly spray the plant with water to maintain humidity and avoid dry conditions. Biological control agents such as predatory mites can also be effective against spider mites.
Slugs and snails are other pests that can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant. To manage this pest, use copper barriers around the plant, and handpick the snails and slugs and dispose of them. You can also use baits such as iron phosphate.
Regular monitoring of the plant, good cultural practices, and early detection and management of diseases and pests are crucial to maintaining the health and productivity of Viola adunca var. Bellidifolia.
