A demulcent, soothing to irritated tissues, and long used in folk herbalism as an alterative skin herb for minor complaints. Also traditionally used as a respiratory expectorant.
Medicinal plant
Wild Pansy
Viola tricolor
Traditionally for irritated skin, gentle urinary and respiratory support. Also called Johnny-Jump-Up, Heartsease.
Uses
Skin — Herbs used in topical preparations, or traditionally associated with soothing and caring for the skin. Respiratory — Herbs traditionally used in preparations for the throat, chest, sinuses, or seasonal respiratory comfort.
Properties
Alterative — Traditionally supports gradual cleansing and elimination
Diuretic — Encourages urination and fluid elimination
Expectorant — Helps loosen and move mucus from the lungs and chest
Energetics
Cooling — Calms heat, irritation, or excess activity. Moistening — Adds or preserves moisture and soothes dryness.
Similar herbs: Self-Heal, Goldenrod, Borage
Growing and using it
Life cycle
Short-lived perennial, often grown as an annual or biennial.
Hardiness
Viola tricolor is listed for USDA Zones 2–9.
How to start
Seed. Choose Viola tricolor.
Starting from seed
Start indoors in cool conditions or direct sow; keep seed dark until it sprouts.
Harvesting
Harvest flowers and leaves repeatedly while plants are actively blooming.
Grow in zone
Start indoors — Sow under cover in trays or pots, before it is warm enough to sow outsideStart indoors: FebruaryStart indoors: MarchDirect sow — Sow straight into the ground where the plant will growDirect sow: MarchDirect sow: AprilDirect sow: MayDirect sow: AugustDirect sow: SeptemberPlant out — Move a started plant into its final spot outdoorsPlant out: AprilPlant out: MayPlant out: SeptemberHarvest flowers/leaves — Gather flowers/leaves in these monthsHarvest flowers/leaves: AprilHarvest flowers/leaves: MayHarvest flowers/leaves: JuneHarvest flowers/leaves: SeptemberHarvest flowers/leaves: October
Some plants continue through summer if conditions stay cool.
Gardening tools
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Steep wild pansy in hot water to draw out its flavour and water-soluble properties.
Parts used
Leafy flowering tops DriedGather
Cut the upper leafy stems while flowering. Dry in a single layer out of direct sun until crisp.
Prepare
- Cover with boiling water
- Steep 10–15 minutes
- Strain
Apothecary supplies
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Use wild pansy as food, seasoning, garnish, or an ingredient in everyday cooking. Flowers are an easy edible garnish for salads and desserts.
Parts used
FlowerPrepare
Add clean, fresh flowers as a garnish.