Field pansy (Viola rafinesquii)), also called Johnnyjumpup violet, is a winter annual with erect freely branched stems growing ¹⁄₂ to 5 inches tall. The leaves are borne alternately on the stem with prominent dissected stipules (basal appendages). Flowers are borne on prominent stalks from the upper nodes. Flower petals may be white with blue veins or entirely bluish to bluish-violet. They appear like a miniature common violet flower.

Figure 1. Field pansy.

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Figure 1. Field pansy.

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Winter annual broadleaf weeds germinate in the fall or winter and grow during any warm weather, which may occur in the winter, but otherwise remain somewhat dormant during the winter. They resume growth and produce seed in the spring and die as temperatures increase in late spring and early summer. They quickly invade thin turf areas especially where there is good soil moisture. Shade may also encourage growth. Many have a prostrate growth habit and are not affected by mowing. A dense, vigorous turf is the best way to reduce the encroachment of winter annual weeds. First, select adapted turfgrass cultivars for your area and then properly fertilize, mow, and water to encourage dense growth.

• GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
  • winter annual weed
• GROWTH HABIT
  • prostrate, spreading or upright
• LEAFLET NUMBER
  • one
• LEAF MARGIN
  • serrated / toothed
• LEAF HAIRS
  • none
• LEAF / LEAFLET SHAPE
  • oval / egg-shaped / elliptical
• LEAF WIDTH
  • basal - 0.75 to 1.5" (19 - 38 mm); upper leaves 0.5" (13 mm)
• LEAF ARRANGEMENT
  • alternate
• ROOT TYPE
  • fibrous
• FLOWER COLOR
  • blue / purple; white; yellow