Origin
Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens (Pollard) Fabijan, commonly known as yellow violet, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Violaceae family. It is native to western North America, including Alaska, British Columbia, Yukon, Washington, Oregon, California, and Montana.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as yellow violet, early yellow violet, and cut-leaf violet.
Uses
The roots and leaves of Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens have been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. Native American tribes used the plant to treat stomach pains, coughs, and colds. The plant's roots were boiled and consumed to treat respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis. The plant was also considered a remedy for skin rashes and sores.
Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens is also used ornamentally in home gardens. Its yellow, fragrant flowers bloom in early spring, making it a popular choice for early-season color. It thrives in moist, shady areas and can be incorporated into woodland gardens.
General Appearance
Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens grows to a height of 5-15 cm with a spread of approximately 30 cm. It has basal leaves that are lobed or toothed and can grow up to 10 cm long. The plant produces yellow flowers with five petals that bloom from February to June. Each flower measures 1-2 cm across. Fruit is produced in small, green capsules that split open when mature, releasing tiny seeds.
The plant's leaves and stems are covered with fine hairs, giving them a fuzzy texture. Its roots are thin and fibrous. Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens prefers moist, shaded areas and can often be found growing in wooded or rocky areas.
Growth Conditions for Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens (Pollard) Fabijan
Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens (Pollard) Fabijan is commonly known as the yellow violet or early sweet violet. This plant thrives in moist, open forest habitats and can be found growing on rocky slopes, along streams, and in moist meadows. The typical growth conditions include:
Light Requirements
Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens (Pollard) Fabijan requires dappled shade to partial sunlight for optimal growth. In its natural habitat, the plant receives filtered sunlight or indirect light through gaps in tree canopies. Too much direct sunlight can cause damage to the leaves and flowers, and increase water loss through transpiration.
Temperature Requirements
Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens (Pollard) Fabijan grows well in cooler climates and requires a cool, moist environment for optimal growth. In its natural range, the plant is found growing at higher elevations where temperatures are cooler. The ideal temperature range is between 10 °C to 18 °C (50 °F to 64.4 °F), but the plant can survive in temperatures as low as -23 °C (-10 °F) during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens (Pollard) Fabijan prefers moist, well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are rich in organic matter. The root system is shallow and fibrous, and benefits from a layer of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Cultivation Methods
Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens (Pollard) Fabijan, commonly known as yellow violet, requires a consistently moist but well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. It prefers partial to full shade with some protection from the hot afternoon sun. Yellow violets can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings. The best time to plant is in the spring or fall when the temperatures are mild.
Watering Needs
Yellow violets require regular watering to maintain its moist soil condition. During the growing season, the plant should be watered deeply once a week or as needed to keep the soil consistently moist. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Yellow violets do not require a lot of fertilization. A yearly application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help produce healthy foliage and blooms. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilization, which can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Yellow violets do not require a lot of pruning or maintenance. However, they can be deadheaded regularly to promote new growth and prolonged blooming. Deadheading is simply removing the spent blooms by pinching them off or cutting them with shears. Pruning can also be done to control the size and shape of the plant, but it should be done in the early spring before new growth appears.
Propagation of Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens (Pollard) Fabijan
Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens (Pollard) Fabijan is a mat-forming perennial herbaceous plant that produces small, yellow flowers in the spring and summer months. Propagation of this plant is generally done through vegetative methods.
Division
Division is one of the most common methods used to propagate Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens (Pollard) Fabijan. During the spring and early summer months, mature plants can be divided into smaller sections which can then be replanted to create new plants. This is typically done by digging up the entire plant and then separating the individual sections with a sharp knife or garden spade. It is important to ensure that each section has some roots and leaves in order to increase the chances of survival.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens (Pollard) Fabijan. This method involves taking a small section of stem or leaf and planting it in a pot or tray filled with a special rooting mix. The cutting should be about 3-4 inches long and have several leaves. The cutting should be watered regularly and kept in a shady area until it starts developing roots, after which it can be transplanted to a new location.
Seed propagation
While seed propagation is possible for Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens (Pollard) Fabijan, it is less commonly used because the seeds have a low germination rate. If one chooses to sow seeds, they should be harvested from mature plants and should be sown in a tray in a well-draining potting mix. To encourage germination, the tray should be kept moist and placed in a warm (68-70°F) location until the seedlings emerge.
Disease Management
Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens (Pollard) Fabijan is susceptible to various diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. The best way to manage these diseases is through cultural practices and the use of fungicides.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to improve air circulation by pruning the plants and avoiding overhead irrigation. Fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate can be used to control the disease.
Leaf spot is caused by various fungal pathogens and appears as circular or irregular-shaped spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected leaves and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicides containing chlorothalonil can be used to control the disease.
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage this disease, it is recommended to avoid overwatering and to improve soil drainage. Fungicides containing azoxystrobin can be used to control the disease.
Pest Management
Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. ssp. flavovirens (Pollard) Fabijan is susceptible to various pests, including aphids, spider mites, and thrips. The best way to manage these pests is through cultural practices and the use of insecticides.
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and deform. To manage these pests, it is recommended to introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings. Insecticides containing neem oil can also be used to control the pests.
Spider mites are small pests that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing a stippled appearance and yellowing of the leaves. To manage these pests, it is recommended to improve air circulation and to remove any infested leaves. Insecticides containing abamectin can be used to control the pests.
Thrips are small insects that feed on the leaves and flowers, causing discoloration and deformation of the plant. To manage these pests, it is recommended to remove any infested flowers and to introduce natural predators such as mites and nematodes. Insecticides containing spinosad can also be used to control the pests.
