Well-drained floodplain forests, cove forests, and mesic upland forests; rarely in dry forests and woodlands over calcareous or mafic rocks. Frequent in the Virginia mountains and Piedmont; rare in the Coastal Plain
Supports Fritillary butterfly larvae. Nectar from the flowers attracts butterflies, skippers, and bees. Members of the genus Viola supports specialized bees. Butterflies and moths use this plant as a larval host. Birds and small mammals use the seed fruits as a food source
High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
My Native Garden
Put together a printable/downloadable list of plants that you have in your garden.