Search articles from 1992 to the present. Violets in the Lawn
This article was published originally on 6/4/2008 Several
species of violet (Viola species) are native to Iowa. Violets
usually grow in colonies and can be found in a wide variety of
habitats ranging from dry, rocky prairies to moist woodlands.
Violets are low-growing, clump-forming plants. Most violet
species have heart-shaped leaves. They typically bloom in spring
(April to June). Flower colors include nearly white, yellow,
blue, and purple. A few are bicolored. Each flower is composed
of an upper pair of petals, two side petals, and one lower
petal. The lower petal acts as a "landing pad" for pollinating
insects. The fruit is a small capsule which splits into 3 parts
at maturity. Violets have also adapted to landscape sites. They
are common weeds in lawns, especially in shady areas. Violets
are difficult to control in turfgrass areas. Probably the best
way for a home gardener to control a small infestation of
violets in the lawn is to dig them u