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Wild Violet Guide

Identify

Inspect

Treat

Prevent

How to Identify Wild Violet Weeds

Wild Violet weeds are low-growing, clumping perennial broadleaf plants with vibrant flowers in shades of purple, violet, and white, making them easy to distinguish from other weeds. Some species are also known as common blue violets.

Though their flowers may add a splash of color, Wild Violet is an invasive weed that can harm your lawn by competing with turfgrass for essential water and nutrients. If these weeds appear in unwanted areas, it’s essential to take action to prevent damage to your grass.

Wild Violet is often mistaken for Creeping Charlie, so use this guide to confirm your weed type before applying any treatment.

Characteristics of Wild Violet

  • Growth Pattern: Low to the ground, growing between 2 to 12 inches tall
  • Leaves: Heart-shaped, 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches wide, with serrated edges and a glossy surface
  • Flowers: Purple, blue, white, or yellow with five petals; bloom in March, April, and May
  • Seeds: Numerous dark brown or purplish seeds are produced
  • Spread: Propagates via underground roots called rhizomes

Where Does Wild Violet Grow?

Wild Violet thrives in damp, shady areas and is widespread across the United States, from Florida to as far north as Canada. This perennial weed can grow in a variety of environments, including:

  • Open fields
  • Wooded areas
  • Damp locations near streams
  • Along roadsides

If left untreated, Wild Violet can quickly spread and overtake healthy grass. Identifying it early is crucial to maintaining a well-kept lawn.

Spotted Wild Violet in your yard? Discover where to find it with our Wild Violet Inspection Guide. Click the right arrow below to learn more.

How to Inspect for Wild Violet Weeds

Wild Violet Weed Inspection

Wild Violet is a low-growing, clumping winter perennial weed that spreads rapidly throughout lawns and garden beds via rhizomes and above-ground shoots. The plant's deep roots can make it challenging to remove, so it is essential to pinpoint its location before selecting an appropriate treatment. Read below to learn more about where Wild Violet thrives.

Where Does Wild Violet Grow in Your Yard?
Wild Violet favors shaded spots in lawns. If your yard experiences irrigation or flooding issues, you are likely to find Wild Violet in those areas.

When Does Wild Violet Grow?
Wild Violet typically grows through the winter and begins producing its signature flowers in early spring—usually between April and May—continuing to thrive throughout the summer. To effectively control Wild Violet, apply treatment in the fall to target the weed before it establishes deeper roots to survive the winter.

Where is Wild Violet Found in the USA?
Wild Violet can be found across most of the United States, from Florida up to the Canadian border. It grows in various environments, including fields, wooded areas, stream valleys, prairies, roadsides, and residential lawns.

Have Wild Violet weeds in your yard? Discover how to eliminate them in our Wild Violet Treatment Guide. Click the right arrow below to learn more.

How to Eliminate Wild Violet Weeds

Wild Violet is a low-growing perennial weed that can spread rapidly throughout lawns, especially in the early spring when it starts to flower. Although the flowers may add color to your landscape, Wild Violet competes with your grass for nutrients and water. To effectively remove this weed, follow the steps outlined below.

Step1 Use a Post-Emergent Herbicide to Kill Wild Violet

When you spot Wild Violet in your lawn, the best treatment is to apply a selective post-emergent herbicide that contains 2,4-D or Dicamba, specifically formulated to target Wild Violet without harming other plants.

  • When to Apply: Apply in the early stages of the weed’s life cycle, ideally in spring, when the weed first appears.
  • Effectiveness: As the weed matures, multiple treatments may be necessary to control it effectively. Reapply according to the instructions on the label.

Products we recommend for Step 1

Pro Tip

To minimize damage to surrounding turf, choose an herbicide labeled for your specific grass type.

Step2 Apply Your Post-Emergent Herbicide

After selecting the right herbicide, mix it according to the instructions on the label.

  • Use a hand pump sprayer or backpack sprayer to apply the herbicide evenly.
  • Wear gloves, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes during application.
  • Ensure the herbicide covers all visible parts of the Wild Violet without causing runoff.

Application Tips:

  • Apply during dry weather with low wind conditions to avoid drift.
  • Wait at least six hours before rain to ensure effectiveness.
  • Do not apply if temperatures exceed 85°F, as this could damage your turf.

Products we recommend for Step 2

Step3 Reapply as Needed

You may start to see results in 7-10 days, but full weed death may take up to three weeks.

  • Reapply as needed, based on the recommendations from the product label.

Pro Tip

Avoid pulling Wild Violet by hand, as broken roots and rhizomes can lead to regrowth. Always ensure complete root removal or treat with herbicides.

Maintaining a healthy lawn and taking proactive measures to make it more difficult for weeds to thrive is the most effective way to prevent an infestation. Click the right arrow below to read our guide on How to Prevent Wild Violet from Growing.

How to Prevent Wild Violet Weeds

Wild Violet Weed Prevention

Preventing Wild Violet growth can be challenging, but maintaining a healthy lawn with a solid maintenance plan is an essential first step in keeping weeds at bay. Proper fertilization and healthy turf will help your lawn combat Wild Violet infestations each season.

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Step1 Balance Your Soil with Fertilizers and Amendments

How to Apply Granule Lawn Fertilizer
To help your lawn resist Wild Violet weeds, start by checking the pH and nutrient levels of your soil. A home soil test kit can help measure the chemical balance of your lawn. If needed, local experts at your Extension Office can assist in interpreting the results and advising you on the next steps.

Wild Violet thrives in low pH soil, but most turf grasses prefer a higher pH level. By using soil amendments, you can adjust the pH and discourage Wild Violet growth, while promoting stronger grass.

Step2 Adopt Effective Lawn Practices to Keep Wild Violet Away

Pre-emergent herbicides are typically not labeled for use against Wild Violet due to its extensive rhizome root network, which makes chemical prevention challenging. However, you can still defend against this weed by properly caring for your lawn.

Maintaining a thick and healthy turf is your best natural defense against Wild Violet. Strong grass will resist weed invasions more effectively. Good mowing practices—such as never removing more than the top third of your grass blades—will also keep your lawn healthy.

Ensure proper drainage in your yard to prevent standing water, which attracts Wild Violet and other weeds. Lawn aeration will help alleviate soil compaction, improving drainage and benefiting the health of your turf.

A well-maintained lawn reduces the likelihood of Wild Violet and other weeds appearing in your grass.

Before deciding on the best plan to control Wild Violet and other lawn weeds, start by learning how to identify Wild Violet with our Wild Violet Weed Identification Guide.

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