Wonder violet (Viola mirabilis, Sp. Pl.: 936 (1753))

Family: Violaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 936 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Viola

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Temp. Eurasia

Description

The Wonder violet, known scientifically as Viola mirabilis, is an enchanting perennial herb that graces the temperate regions of Eurasia with its delicate and charming presence. This remarkable species belongs to the Violaceae family, a group renowned for their beautiful and intricate flowers.

First described in 1753, the Wonder violet has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts for centuries with its graceful appearance and ecological adaptability. The plant features heart-shaped leaves, often with a slightly serrated edge, which emerge in rich clusters near the base. Its true allure, however, lies in its flowers, which typically bloom from mid-spring to early summer.

The flowers of Viola mirabilis are a violet or lavender hue, adorned with distinct veins that add to their aesthetic appeal. Each bloom’s structure is a study in botanical elegance, with five petals arranged in a bilateral symmetry, the lower petal often sporting a lighter shade or a subtle infusion of white. The gradual coloring and the delicate scent of the flowers make them a favorite among garden enthusiasts looking to add a touch of understated beauty to their landscapes.

Viola mirabilis thrives in temperate climates and prefers habitats that offer partial to full shade, echoing the woodland environments where it is often found in the wild. Its adaptability to various soil conditions, however, makes it an excellent candidate for diverse garden settings. It grows best in loamy, well-draining soil that retains sufficient moisture to support the plant’s needs.

Ecologically, the Wonder violet plays a significant role in its native habitats. It supports a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are attracted to its vivid colors and gentle fragrance. This interaction not only facilitates the plant’s reproductive cycle but also contributes to the broader health of the ecosystem by supporting pollinator populations.

Cultivating Viola mirabilis requires minimal effort, making it an appealing choice for both novice gardeners and experienced horticulturists. Regular watering and occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer will ensure robust growth and abundant flowering. Additionally, its perennial nature means that once established, the Wonder violet will return year after year, gradually spreading through its environment and creating lush, verdant patches.

In summary, the Wonder violet is much more than a mere garden plant; it is a symbol of botanical elegance that embodies the beauty and resilience of the natural world. Its simple yet captivating flowers, ease of cultivation, and ecological significance make it a cherished addition to any garden or woodland landscape.

Common Names

Dan: forskelligblomstret viol
Deu: wunder-veilchen
Nno: krattfiol
Nob: krattfiol
Fin: lehto-orvokki
Swe: lehto-orvokki, underviol
Eng: wonder violet
Sme: imašviola
En: Wonder violet
Be: Фіялка дзіўная
Bg: Удивителна теменуга
Ca: Viola de fulla gran
Zh: 美丽堇菜
Cs: Violka divotvárná
Da: Forskelligblomstret viol
Nl: Grootbladviooltje
Et: Imekannike
Fi: Lehto-orvokki
Fr: Violette admirable, Violette étonnante, Violette singulière
De: Wunder-Veilchen
It: Viola mirabile
Lt: Puošnioji našlaitė
Se: Imašviola
Nb: Krattfiol
Nn: Krattfiol
Oc: Violeta remirabla
Pl: Fiołek przedziwny
Ru: Фиалка удивительная
Sv: Underviol, Lehto-orvokki
Zh-tw: 美麗堇菜
Zh-hant: 美麗堇菜
Uk: Фіалка дивна

Synonyms

• Viola mirabilis f. seiichii (E.Hama)
• Viola mirabilis var. kusnetzoffii (Regel)
• Viola mirabilis var. brevicalcarata (Nakai)
• Viola mirabilis f. strigosa (W.Becker)
• Viola subglabra ((Ledeb.) Baikov ex A.V.Grebenjuk & Czepinoga)
• Viola mirabilis var. strigosa ((W.Becker) Espeut)
• Viola mirabilis subsp. brachysepala ((Maxim.) Vorosch.)
• Viola mirabilis subsp. subglabra ((Ledeb.) Zuev)
• Viola mirabilis var. subglabra (Ledeb.)
• Viola mirabilis var. platysepala (Kitag.)
• Viola mirabilis var. glaberrima (W.Becker)
• Viola brachysepala (Maxim.)
• Viola mirabilis var. vulgaris (Ledeb.)
• Viola mirabilis f. latisepala (W.Becker)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• Chita (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 6, 2020 by Egorov Pavel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Patrice Bracquart (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2022 by claude lerat -gentet Mme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by #MaryKingfishers (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2022 by claude lerat -gentet Mme (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 14, 2022 by kosmidis christos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Alexander Baransky (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2022 by Pieter Verbrugghe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Victor Corcuera Cueva (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by theplantmaster102 (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 27, 2021 by claude lerat -gentet Mme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2019 by Stéphane Mercier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2019 by V Rad (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by claude lerat -gentet Mme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Mathilde DUVERGER (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 10, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 10, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5331268)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:868689-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viola mirabilis L.)

Specifications

Growth