Viola Lyallii

Description

Viola Lyallii, commonly known as Lyall’s violet or alpine violet, is a species of violet that belongs to the Violaceae family. It is native to the alpine and subalpine regions of western North America, particularly in British Columbia, Canada, and Montana, United States. This small perennial herb can grow up to 10 centimeters tall and has basal leaves that are heart-shaped and slightly hairy. Its flowers are typically purple or blue and have a sweet fragrance.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Viola Lyallii has a compact and bushy growth habit, with basal leaves that form a rosette at the base of the plant. The leaves are typically 2-6 centimeters long and 1-6 centimeters wide, with a green upper surface and a slightly hairy lower surface. The flowers are typically purple or blue, with five petals that are slightly unequal in size. They are approximately 1.5 centimeters in diameter and have a sweet fragrance.

Care Guide

Viola Lyallii is a relatively easy plant to care for, as long as its basic needs are met:

• Water: Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Avoid watering the leaves directly to prevent fungal diseases.
• Fertilization: Fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Soil: Plant Viola Lyallii in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: Viola Lyallii prefers partial shade to full sun, especially in hotter climates.
• Hardiness Zones: Viola Lyallii is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Viola Lyallii is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but may occasionally be affected by:

• Slugs and snails: These pests may eat the leaves and flowers of Viola Lyallii. Use slug bait or hand-pick them to control their population.
• Botrytis blight: This fungal disease may cause brown spots on the leaves and flowers of Viola Lyallii. Remove infected foliage and flowers and treat with a fungicide if necessary.
• Root rot: Overwatering and poorly draining soil may cause root rot in Viola Lyallii. To prevent this, make sure to plant it in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

Habitat

Viola Lyallii is a native plant to the alpine and subalpine regions of western North America, where it grows in rocky and gravelly soils. It is typically found at elevations of 1,500-3,500 meters in areas with cold and wet climates. Viola Lyallii is an important food source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Viola Lyallii a good plant for containers?

A: Yes, Viola Lyallii can be grown in containers as long as it is planted in well-draining soil and provided with adequate water and sunlight.

Q: Can Viola Lyallii be propagated from cuttings?

A: Yes, Viola Lyallii can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in early summer.

Q: Does Viola Lyallii attract pollinators?

A: Yes, Viola Lyallii is an important food source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Q: Is Viola Lyallii a frost-tolerant plant?

A: Yes, Viola Lyallii is frost-tolerant and can survive in USDA zones 4-8.

Related Plants

• Viola adunca
• Viola canadensis
• Viola glabella
• Viola macloskeyi

References

• USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Viola Lyallii. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=VILY
• British Columbia Conservation Data Centre. (2019). Viola Lyallii. Retrieved from https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/plants-animals-and-ecosystems/threatened-and-endangered-species/information-centre/viola_lyallii.pdf
• Montana Field Guide. (n.d.). Viola Lyallii. Retrieved from https://fieldguide.mt.gov/species/383