Field Pansy / Wild Pansy
Viola arvensis / Viola tricolor · Herbaceous Annual/Perennial (Not a tree)
Plant Family
Violaceae
Tree Category
Wildflower / Groundcover
Variety / Cultivar
Native Wild Type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-9; very adaptable to temperate climates.
About This Tree
While not a tree, this is a low-growing herbaceous plant that forms a small clump. It features delicate five-petaled flowers with characteristic facial markings. It has a sprawling or upright growth habit depending on surrounding vegetation.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, oval to lance-shaped leaves with crenate (scalloped) margins; usually arranged alternately on the stem; accompanied by large, deeply lobed stipules at the base of the petioles.
Bark Characteristics
N/A (Herbaceous green stems; no bark present)
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia; naturalized in North America
Growing Season
Flowering from mid-spring through early autumn; dormant in winter
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained soil; moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Height: 4-12 inches; Spread: 4-8 inches; Rapid growth rate; Short lifespan (annual or short-lived perennial).
Special Characteristics
Self-seeding nature; historically used in folk medicine for skin conditions; edible flowers used as garnishes; high cold tolerance.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nectar for various bees and butterflies; larval host plant for several Fritillary butterfly species; seeds are occasionally consumed by small birds.