Wild Pansy (Viola tricolor) is a small plant known for its creeping and ramping habit, the flower reaches a maximum of 15cm high. This plant likes to grow in short grassland and wastelands where the soil is acidic or neutral. Usually it is found in partial shade and they are self fertile and are mainly pollinated by bees.
The flowers are about 1.5cm in width and typically flower between April and September. The flowers can be purple, blue, yellow or white. In folk medicine, Wild pansy is believed to benefit people with respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma and common cold symptoms. As well as this, Wild Pansy is also used as a diuretic which is why it has lead to a use in treating cystitis and rheumatism. Another use of this flower is that it can be used to make yellow green and blue/green dyes while the leaves can be used to make a chemical indicator.
Height: Up to 15cm
Flowering Time: April to September
Preferred Conditions: The Wild Pansy usually prefers acidic grassland and light soils.
