Jason E. Andersen

Bonus fun fact: This time of year, you might notice violets blooming in your lawn. These little purple flowers are often considered weeds, but you should know that they provide an important service. Early bloomers like violets provide much-needed nectar to pollinators (especially early-emerging bees) at a time when nectar is scarce. It won’t be until later in the spring or early summer when other flowering plants really get going, so early bloomers like violets play an important role in providing spring nectar.

Additionally, violets are the host plant for fritillary butterflies, including the Great Spangled Fritillary and the Regal Fritillary (although you probably won’t find a Regal Fritillary flying around your lawn). These butterflies require violets for reproduction, and lay their eggs on the plant body so their caterpillars can consume the foliage.

Like I said, violets are often considered weeds in a lawn, but they’re actually native plants that are just trying to do their thing. Consider these benefits before you decide to spray them this spring. If you leave them be and mow your lawn high, you can add some biodiversity to your yard and have spring flowers!