Pinegrass vs Early Blue Violet - TreeTime.ca

Pinegrass vs Early Blue Violet

Calamagrostis rubescens

Viola adunca

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Pinegrass
Early Blue Violet

Pinegrass is a hardy, native perennial grass common in forested regions of western North America. It is an important understory species and is typically found beneath conifer canopies. Due to its spreading nature and ability to form dense mats that cover the forest floor, it helps stabilize soils and reduce erosion.

It provides forage for wildlife and livestock, shelter for small animals, and seeds for birds, playing an important ecological role in woodland ecosystems. Pinegrass is well-suited for ecological restoration, soil stabilization, and naturalization projects.

Early Blue Violet is a low-growing native perennial wildflower valued for its striking early-spring blooms. The flowers range in color from vibrant blue to deep violet, often marked with pale highlights and fine white hairs. They provide an important early nectar source for pollinators and serve as a host plant for several fritillary butterfly species.

It spreads by both seed and rhizomes, gradually forming small colonies. Its dark green, heart-shaped leaves add ornamental appeal, and the plant shows some resistance to deer browsing. Early Blue Violet is well-suited to naturalization projects and pollinator-friendly gardens, and has also been used in coastal butterfly habitat restoration in the Pacific Northwest.

Pinegrass Quick Facts

Early Blue Violet Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.8 m (2.5 ft)
Height: 0.1 m (0.3 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright, clump-forming
Growth form: low growing, clump-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low
Spreading: seeds - medium, rhizomes - medium
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: rhizomes, fruit, seed poisonous to humans
Flowers: purple to blue-violet
Bloom time: mid spring to early summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, YT, NT
Other Names: pine reedgrass
Other Names: dog violet, hookedspur violet, sand violet, western blue violet