Field pansy - Viola arvensis (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Toxic)

Field pansy

Also known as: Wild pansy

Field pansy (Viola arvensis) is an annual or perennial flower that blooms from spring to summer with fragrant two-tone flowers in gold and yellow or purple and lavender. Nectar from the flowers attracts butterflies and bees. Grows in full sun or partial shade. Deadhead blooms to encourage more flowering.

Scientific classification

Species

Field pansy (Viola arvensis)

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

30 cm

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

White, Yellow, Purple, Lavender, Gold

Flower Color

Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Images of Field pansy

Distribution of Field pansy

Distribution Map

Field pansy is a plant with a broad natural range in temperate regions of Eurasia. Its presence extends to northwest Africa, but it has also been introduced to other continents including South America, Oceania, and North America, thus adapting to diverse climates and habitats in both its native and non-native regions.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Fields, Gardens, Soil heaps, Wastelands, Meadows, Rocky outcrops

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Love, Rain, Magic, Love

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Toxicity

The field pansy plant, particularly its seeds, is mildly toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. Ingesting large quantities can cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Alkaloids in the entire plant are responsible. Prompt veterinary care is advised if pets consume field pansy.

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Weed Control

Field pansy is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. This species is frequently cultivated for its ornamental uses and it also provides resources for pollinators and wildlife. However, its propensity for self-sowing can result in field pansy become weedy or even invasive in some areas. As such, it is considered invasive in at least 12 countries and some states in the United States. It grows readily in disturbed areas, including fields and roadsides. Removing its flowers before the plant goes to seed can prevent further spread. Herbicide can also be effective in controlling unwanted populations of field pansy.

How to Control It

The best time to remove field pansy is during late spring or early summer before the plant has had a chance to produce seeds. Here are some methods to control or remove field pansy:

Hand Pulling: Wet the ground to loosen the roots, then simply grip the base of the plant and gently pull to remove the entire plant from the ground.
Smothering: Cover the area around field pansy with heavy-duty garden fabric or plastic sheeting. Secure it in place and leave it for a few weeks. This method suffocates the weed and halts its growth.
Solarization: This is effective in hot, sunny climates. Lay clear plastic sheeting over the area, burying the edges in the ground to trap the heat from the sun. Leave it for six weeks for the heat to kill field pansy.
Vinegar: Spray a solution of 20% vinegar and water on field pansy. This solution acts as a natural weed killer.
Crop Rotation: Plant different crops year to year that compete with field pansy for resources.

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Quickly Identify Field pansy

Distinct two-tone flowers with a prominent lower petal

Delicate white to pale yellow petals with purple edges

Single-celled capsule fruit with three opening valves

Dark green basal rosette leaves with hairy veins

Branched prostrate stems up to 16 inches in length

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Care Guide for Field pansy

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from temperate regions, field pansy adapts well to moderate moisture. It thrives with weekly watering to maintain soil moisture, requiring more frequent irrigation during dry spells to mimic its natural habitat. This resilience reflects its ability to cope with varying water availability.

Fertilize: Use slow-release commercial compound fertilizers for field pansy. During growth and bloom, apply thin compound liquid fertilizer every two weeks. For specific application methods, consult the product specifications for the compound fertilizers.

Propagation: Certain varieties of field pansy are self-pollinating, producing fruits post-flowering that split into three petals when ripe. At this stage, seeds can be harvested for sowing in the next year.

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Images of Field pansy

Distribution of Field pansy

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Field pansy

Care Guide for Field pansy

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