While some people view this plant as a finewildflower, others regard it as a stubborn perennial lawn weed.
But sometimes this weed calls for the use of chemical herbicides for complete eradication.
These are perennial plants that spread both byrhizomesand by seeds.
The Spruce / Grace Kim
Lawns that are not well maintained are often colonized by spreads of violets.
Shady areas of a lawn are especially susceptible to a wild violet takeover.
They grow inUSDA hardiness zones3 to 9.
The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Hilary Allison
For larger plants, enlist the help of a garden fork.
Moisten the Area
Wear thick gardening gloves to protect your hands as you pull the violets.
Moisten the area thoroughly with a garden hose, and wait about a 1/2 hour.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
The water will loosen the soil and make it easier to pull the plants.
Young plants have a relatively shallow root system, which usually comes out of the ground with ease.
see to it to wear whatever protective gear the label recommends.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Add Dish Soap
Add surfactant or a tablespoon of dish soap to the weed killer.
Warning
Whenever using an herbicide, take care to avoid all skin contact and breathing the mist.
Observe the Plants
Observe the plants over the next two to three weeks.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
You should see them begin to turn brown and die.
It is not unusual for some plants to survive the winter and return in the spring.
If so, give them another treatment of herbicide in the spring as new growth is starting.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Many homeowners choose to let these wildflowers grow in their lawns and elsewhere.
There are several reasons for tolerating wild violets in the lawn:
Wild violets are also edible weeds.
Both the flowers and leaves can be eaten, and young leaves have a pleasant nutty taste.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Plus, some people use wild violets medicinally.
An acid in wild violet leaves is said to break down corns and warts.
University of Maryland Extension
Wild Violet.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
