Problem Weed Report: Field Violet (Field Pansy)

Problem Weed Report:

Field violet or pansy is widespread in berries this year. It likely spreads into strawberries from straw, and quickly builds a seedbank.

A. K. A.:

Viola arvensis, field pansy, wild pansy, Johnny-jump-ups, European field pansy or hearts-ease.

Identified by:

Rosette growing in fall or spring. Cotyledon leaves have a long petiole with an oval blade. Young leaves have long petioles, with rounded teeth on margins. Flowers are solitary, tiny, white with pale yellow, sometimes with purple, violet-like.

Spreads by:

Seed only. Germinates in the fall or spring when moist.

Life Cycle:

Annual, winter annual and sometimes an annual for 2 seasons. Flowers from early May to August. May flower later in the fall. Produces large numbers of seeds.

Control suggestions in strawberries:

Control is a challenge, and needs to be based on prevention.

• Cultivate new plantings to control emerging young seedlings.
  
• Apply Dacthal before weeds emerge in the spring. Repeat to clean soil at renovation, near Labour Day and again before mulching.
  
• Sinbar used at these 4 timings will also help with new seedlings.
  
• Labour Day application of Sinbar is essential for germinating winter annuals.
  
• Gramoxone for chemical renovation will kill established plants and reduce seed rain.
  
• Prevention is key:
  
  • Mow established plants down before they flower. Target field edges.
    
  • Scout mowed plants for new flowers shooting from the base
    
  • Cultivation in fall to control tiny rosettes.

The flower head of Field violet (left) as compared to a pansy (right).

Field violet rosette: notice the long petioles and oval blades

Field violet flower: tiny 5 petals with irregular shapes. Often pale, sometimes with purple edges.

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