Yellow Wood Violet

viola biflora

Also known as: ["Yellow Violet","Two-flowered Violet"]

Family: Violaceae Genus: Viola Category: Flowers

Overview

A small, herbaceous perennial with yellow flowers, native to mountainous regions.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Violaceae
Genus: Viola
Botanical Name: Viola biflora

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, woodland edges, or containers in partial shade
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate slightly sandy mixes.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 2–3 months to keep the plant tidy.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight to prevent scorching; place in filtered light during peak summer hours.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Avoid direct afternoon sun; rotate plant for even light exposure; adjust for seasonal light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.

Soil

well-draining, humus-rich soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; amend with organic matter for better texture.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); thrives in cooler conditions.

Keep away from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from extreme fluctuations.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter

Fertilize sparingly to prevent salt buildup; flush soil occasionally to remove excess nutrients.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 3–4 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity, indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F or 18–24°C).

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; keep out of direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back stems or trim selectively to shape the plant.

Pruning Plan

Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead or leggy growth; remove spent flowers; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for rejuvenation.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution without wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth and may cause leaf damage or dieback in temperatures below 40°F (4°C).

Solution: Protect from frost; move indoors in cold climates; provide a warm, sheltered location.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop in temperatures above 80°F (27°C); growth may stagnate.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Viola biflora can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Viola biflora is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root damage, which can impair nutrient uptake and lead to plant decline.

Leaf spots on Viola biflora may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic area and potential spread to other parts of the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Viola biflora is typically caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Viola biflora is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain known toxins that would be harmful to felines if ingested in small quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

While non-toxic, excessive ingestion of any plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Viola biflora is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic compounds in this plant that would cause harm to canines if ingested in small amounts.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

Monitor pets if they consume large quantities of any plant material, but Viola biflora is not expected to cause toxicity.
Humans
Non-toxic

Viola biflora is not considered toxic to humans. It is a wildflower commonly found in alpine and subalpine regions and has no known adverse effects when ingested in small quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

While generally safe, it is always advisable to avoid consuming wild plants unless properly identified and confirmed as edible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Viola biflora require full sun?

A: It prefers partial shade and can tolerate shade.

Q: Is Viola biflora suitable for container gardening?

A: It can be grown in containers but thrives best in garden beds.

Q: How often should Viola biflora be watered?

A: Water moderately, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Quick Reference
Family: Violaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Evergreen Violet
View
Alpine Violet
View
Sweet Violet
View
Early blue violet
View