Origins
Viola brittoniana Pollard var. pectinata (Bickn.) Alexander, commonly referred to as the Pennsylvania yellow violet, is a herbaceous plant species that belongs to the Viola genus. It is native to North America, with its natural range extending from New Jersey to Georgia, and as far west as Ohio and Illinois.
Common Names
This plant species is known by several common names, including the Pennsylvania yellow violet, twin-leaved yellow violet, and pectinate-leaved yellow violet. It is called "yellow violet" because of its characteristic yellow flowers and "pectinate-leaved" due to the presence of deeply cut or toothed leaf margins that resemble a comb.
Uses
Historically, the Pennsylvania yellow violet was used by Native Americans for various medicinal purposes, such as treating skin disorders and relieving headaches. Today, it mainly serves as an ornamental plant, often grown in gardens, naturalized areas, and as a groundcover in wooded areas.
General Appearance
The Pennsylvania yellow violet is a small, perennial plant that typically grows up to 6 to 12 inches in height. It typically produces several leaves on upright stems, which are ovate to heart-shaped, approximately 2 to 4 inches long, with deeply cut or toothed margins. The leaves are dark green in color and have prominent veins that run parallel to the leaf margins. This plant species produces small, yellow flowers, which have five petals that are approximately 1 inch long. The flowers bloom from March to May and are generally positioned at the same height as the leaves.
Growth Conditions for Viola brittoniana Pollard var. pectinata (Bickn.) Alexander
Light Requirements: Viola brittoniana Pollard var. pectinata grows well in partial to full shade. It does not tolerate direct sunlight for an extended period and prefers filtered or dappled light. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for planting under the canopy of taller trees or in shaded areas of the garden.
Temperature Requirements: This plant species prefers cool temperatures. It grows well in hardiness zones 5 to 8, where the average annual minimum temperature ranges from -20 to 20°F (-29 to -6°C). However, it cannot tolerate extreme heat and humidity, especially during the summer season, which may lead to wilting or leaf drop.
Soil Requirements: Viola brittoniana Pollard var. pectinata thrives in well-drained, moist, and fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should not be allowed to dry out completely, as it can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering. Adding compost or manure to the soil before planting is recommended.
Other Growth Considerations: This plant species is relatively easy to care for and low maintenance. It does not require frequent fertilizing, pruning, or deadheading. However, a layer of mulch around the plant can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Regular watering, especially during periods of drought, is necessary to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Cultivation methods
Viola brittoniana Pollard var. pectinata (Bickn.) Alexander, also known as the brittlestemmed violet, is a hardy perennial that can thrive in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soil. It prefers a shaded or partially shaded location with well-draining soil.
The best time to plant this violet is in the early spring or fall, after the high temperatures of summer have passed. Plant the violet at a depth of about one inch and space them approximately six inches apart. To ensure optimal growth, it is recommended to mulch around the plant and keep the soil moist until it is established.
Watering needs
It is important to water Viola brittoniana Pollard var. pectinata regularly, particularly during the hot summer months. Water the plant deeply and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to prevent the growth of mold and fungus.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, it is recommended to fertilize the brittlestemmed violet with an all-purpose fertilizer in the early spring. It is best to use a slow-release fertilizer that will gradually provide nutrients throughout the growing season. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Viola brittoniana Pollard var. pectinata. However, to promote bushier growth, it is recommended to pinch back the tips of the plants after they have bloomed. This will encourage the growth of lateral shoots and result in a fuller plant.
Propagation of Viola brittoniana Pollard var. pectinata (Bickn.) Alexander
Viola brittoniana Pollard var. pectinata (Bickn.) Alexander, commonly known as the Great Lakes violet, can be propagated through various methods that include:
Division
One of the most common ways to propagate Viola brittoniana is through division. This method involves separating the plant's rhizomes or offsets and replanting them in new soil. It is important to ensure that each section of the division contains roots and some growth points to ensure successful propagation. This method is best carried out in early spring or fall.
Seed Propagation
Another propagation method for Viola brittoniana is through seed propagation. The seeds can be harvested from mature plants in fall. The soil used for seed planting should be moist, loose, and rich in organic matter. Sow the seeds on the soil surface and cover them slightly with soil. Water the soil gently and keep it moist until germination occurs, which can take several weeks.
Cutting
Propagation through cutting is also possible, but it is a more challenging method. This method requires taking stem cuttings from parents plants and placing them in moist sandy soil or water for rooting. Once they have rooted, they can be transferred to a new pot or container with nutrient-rich soil. This method is best carried out in late spring or early summer.
Regardless of the method used, Viola brittoniana propagates easily and will yield healthy plants with proper care and attention.
Disease and Pest Management for Viola brittoniana Pollard var. pectinata
Viola brittoniana Pollard var. pectinata commonly known as the Britton's violet is a native plant that grows in the Eastern United States. However, like other plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests, which can reduce its productivity.
Common Diseases
The two most common diseases that affect the Britton's violet are Root Rot and Powdery Mildew.
Root Rot occurs when the soil is waterlogged, and the roots cannot get the necessary oxygen leading to decay. This can be prevented by ensuring that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and not over-watering it.
Powdery Mildew appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant, affecting its growth. This disease can be managed by spraying the plant with a fungicide that contains potassium bicarbonate.
Common Pests
Britton's violet is vulnerable to insect pests such as Aphids and Spider Mites.
Aphids feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing of leaves and reducing the growth rate. The best way to manage aphids is by spraying neem oil, insecticidal soap or water with a high-pressure hose.
Spider Mites are tiny pests that suck the sap of the plant, damaging its leaves and making them appear yellow-brown or bronze. To control spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Other pests and diseases
The Britton's violet may also be susceptible to other pests and diseases such as slugs and snails, leaf spot, and Cucumber Mosaic Virus. To manage these, one should keep the area around the plants clean and free of debris and weeds. Additionally, one can apply pesticide and fungicide sprays when necessary.
By being vigilant and taking the necessary precautions, one can maintain the health and productivity of Viola brittoniana Pollard var. pectinata, keeping both diseases and pests at bay.
