Pansy
Viola × wittrockiana
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The garden pansy flower petals are edible and highly decorative. The petals have little flavour, but the whole flower can also be used. It has a grassy, wintergreen undertone that works well in fruit salad. Pansy flowers grow in a large variety of colors. Many have contrasting blotches on the petals. The blooms vary from 2 to 7cm (1 to 3") in diameter, with five rounded petals. Pansies have been grown for so long a period under such diverse conditions and in such a variety of forms that their origin is uncertain. The numerous forms, with their striking variations in color, is the result of domestication. Pansies are in the Violaceae family.
Seed Life Cycle
Annual but can be biennial or short-lived perennial.
Colours
Pansies come in a large variety of colors including white, shades of yellows, blues, purples, orange and more. Many have two or more colors in a blotch-like appearance.
Height
This plant can grow anywhere from 15 to 30cm (6 to 12") tall.
Health Benefits
A purifying herb, pansies contain powerful compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These plants contain flavonoids such as quercetin, luteolin and rutin which offer numerous antioxidants, microglia inhibition and neuroprotection benefits.
Dye
Pansy flowers produce soft, vibrant colors as a dye. The color achieved will depend on the specific pansy variety you use.
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