Description

The bright yellow flowers of this little violet announce the end of winter. Nearly invisible among other plants for most of the year, the prominent blooms “jump up” to greet the spring (and spring hikers) along the coast and in coastal mountains from the SF Bay Area into Baja, Mexico. It also grows on several of the Channel Islands. This is one of a couple dozen members of the violet family, Violaceae, to grace our state. Johnny jump ups grow as a low little patch of oval leaves that spreads over time. The roots are rather thick and substantial, providing a store of nutrients from which the plant can grow after summer dormancy. In this way it is similar to some of its grassland companions such as shooting stars, primula spp., and larkspur, delphinium spp. After the plant has stored enough energy in its roots it will begin to send up short flower stalks topped with small golden yellow flowers with purple details. The older the patch, the more flowers one is likely to see. Johnny jump ups are adaptable to a variety of growing sites as long as adequate sun is provided. It’s just a little thing, so it might get lost among other plants. Consider growing it in a pot with other summer dormant plants. The pot can be stored in cool shade during dorancy.