[6] Its native habitats are rich, moist woods, and swamps located in the eastern half of the United States and Canada.

Viola sororia is a short-stemmed, herbaceous perennial plant that grows in well-drained and shady habitats.

[5] This 15–25 centimeters (6–10 in) wide violet has glossy, heart-shaped leaves and are topped with purple flowers with white throats.

[9] Blooming in the spring and summer (April–August), Viola sororia can be found in colors of white, blue, or purple.

Hairy purple violets with blue flowers have been called "true" Viola sororia and are rarely seen outside of remnant wooded areas.

[10] A form with white flowers that have a purple center has been called Viola sororia f. priceana (Confederate violet).

The plants serve as food for wild turkeys, rabbits, deer, livestock, the mourning dove, the bobwhite, and the white-footed mouse.

Viola sororia is high in vitamins A and C.[7] The young leaves and flower buds can be eaten raw or cooked, or brewed for a tea.

[21] The genus Viola is known as a symbol of love and modesty by poets such as Sappho, William Shakespeare, and Christina Rossetti.

[16] A French play that achieved popularity on Broadway in the late 1920s, The Captive, featured a lesbian character who won over her love interests with violets.