Wild Violet

What it looks like

Heart-shaped leaves with scalloped edges growing low in a rosette, topped by nodding blue-violet flowers in spring. Unlike ground ivy, it has no square stem and no minty smell. It spreads by rhizomes underground, which is why pulling it rarely gets rid of it for good.

Often mistaken for: Ground ivy (creeping Charlie)

When it shows up in the Triangle

Flowers show up in early spring here in the Triangle, but the plant itself can be present and spreading year-round.

Where you’ll see it

Shows up in moist, shady areas of home lawns, where it competes well against thinner turf.

What you can do

• Fertilize, mow, and water to keep your turf thick and vigorous so violet has less room to spread
• Reduce shade where you can - thin out overhanging trees/shrubs if practical
• Hand-pull when you see it, understanding the rhizomes mean it will likely come back
• Be patient - this is a perennial weed that takes ongoing effort to control, not a one-time fix