Distribution and biology of wild pansy in the UK

Wild pansy commonly seen than field pansy but can contaminate grain. Find out how to identify and control this broad-leaved weed.

Wild pansy (Viola tricolor) is less commonly seen in fields than field pansy. It is found on stony arable land in both winter and spring crops; seeds may contaminate grain and be difficult to clean. Wild pansy is not as competitive as field pansy, but has a similar life cycle; autumn-germinating plants can overwinter and flower early in the following season. The seeds are dispersed from an exploding seed head.

• It has value to biodiversity

It is an annual or perennial dicotyledon, larger and more robust than field pansy. Leaves are oblong, lobed or toothed with projections at the base. The flowers are five-petalled and blue violet with the lower petals flushed with bright yellow.

Plant: Wild pansy is larger and more robust than field pansy.

Flowers: The petals are larger than the sepals.

Wild pansy can grow to an altitude of 575 m and is found in slightly acidic habitats and cultivated ground, gardens and wasteland. It is most often found in damp cool climates.

It grows on sandy, stony and infertile soils, pH range 5–7.

• Seed longevity: >5 years
• Seed weight: 0.4 mg

For advice on herbicides, please speak with your agronomist or adviser.

When was this information last updated?

This page is based on content from the encyclopaedia of arable weeds publication. Since it was first released in 2008, the publication has been redesigned several times but not revised. However, it remains a good foundation for general information on the distribution and biology of weeds.