Wild Pansy

Malpighiales

Violaceae (Violet)

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Either violet-coloured or violet and yellow, rarely entirely yellow, up to 2.5cm. Spur is longer than sepals.

A 3-valved capsule, splitting open when ripe to release the seeds.

Alternate, short stalks, stipules present. The leaves are broadly lanceolate in shape and have round-toothed margins. The stipules are pinnate and leafy and the lobes are lanceolate with toothed margins.

45cm tall.

The young leaves and flower buds can both be eaten either raw or cooked. The flowers can be added to salads and taste minty. Tea can be made from the leaves. Pansies are a great source of vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants such as anthocyanin.
Never consume a wild plant unless you are 100% certain that it is safe to eat and you know that you have identified it correctly.

Banewort, Banwort, Bird's-Eye, Bouncing Bet, Bullweed, Call-me-to-you, Come-and-cuddle-me, Cuddle Me, Cull Me, European Wild Pansy, Flower-o'luce, Godfathers and Godmothers, Heart's Delight, Heart's-ease, Hens-and-Roosters, Herb Constancy, Herb Trinitas, Jack-jump-up-and-kiss-me, Johnny Jump Up, Johnny Jumper, Jump-up, Kiss-her-in-the-Buttery, Kiss-me-quick, Kit-run-about, Kit-run-in-the-Fields, Ladies' Delight, Live-in-Idleness, Love Idol, Love-in-Idleness, Love-lies-Bleeding, Loving Idol, Meet-me-in-the-Entry, Miniature Pansy, Pansy Violet, Pink-eyed John, Pink-o'-the-Eye, Stepmother, Three-coloured Violet, Three-Faces-in-a-Hood, Three-Faces-under-a-Hood, Tickle-my-fancy, Trinitaria.

Beaches, farmland, gardens, grassland, meadows, sand dunes, seaside, wasteland.