Native violets (Viola hederacea) are small perennial plants growing over most of Australia with long-flowering purple and white flowers, often with a slight fragrance. They are a classic attractive ground cover. They are very easy to grow, even in moist shade or part shade, to the point where this colourful species is sometimes even considered invasive. The flowers are an excellent food source for butterflies, and the spreading nature of this plant acts as a superior weed suppressant in damp shady areas.
In 2006, botanists divided into two groups, and the native violet with more purple than white was renamed as a subgroup.
