Wild pansy

Field pansies have been cultivated as both medicinal and ornamental plants since the early Middle Ages. However, the origin of the plant’s name cannot be proven. Legends, fairy tales and folk tales offer various clues as to where the name ‘Stiefmütterchen’ might have come from. One particularly poetic explanation is that ‘the uppermost and most beautifully coloured petal is said to represent a chair which the mother (or stepmother) claims for herself. Her two biological daughters sit on the two side ‘chairs’ – which are still very decorative – whilst the two stepdaughters have to make do with the lowest ‘chairs’ (i.e. the petals). There is certainly something to be gleaned from this fable, as the petals do indeed vary considerably in their splendour of colour – from brightly coloured to plain.

In 1874, the German writer Theodor Storm (1817–1888) dedicated a novella entitled ‘Viola tricolor’ to the lady’s slipper.

The family Violaceae comprises around 350 species, predominantly annuals and biennials. Violets are native to the temperate regions throughout Europe.

The wild pansy (Viola tricolor) is a fairly undemanding plant. It readily self-seeds in well-drained, humus-rich soils, but also in poor fallow land and gravelly areas. The lady’s slipper is hardy. From March to September, its bright violet flowers – in various colour combinations ranging from lilac, yellow, white and crimson to violet – attract insects, bees and bumblebees as a valuable nectar plant.

As a companion plant, the Viola tricolor is found quite frequently in rye and cereal fields. The field pansy can be regarded as a fairly undemanding plant, which can also be grown successfully in a larger pot. Care should be taken to ensure it is kept regularly moist.

The wild pansy is often confused with the horned violet = Viola cornuta, which is cultivated and sold in garden centres but is characterised by a rather compact and stocky growth habit.

The properties of field pansy are described as cooling, laxative, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and analgesic.

The dried herb, complete with flowers, is used both externally and internally to treat many skin conditions, such as eczema and ulcers. The healing power of wild pansy can also be used to relieve troublesome itchy skin.

Grandmother’s home remedies contain numerous references to the fact that a hot tea made with 2 teaspoons of the herb per cup can provide relief from feverish colds and sore throats.

The mild and aromatic flavour of this plant is increasingly finding its way into the kitchen, for example in doughs or imaginative sweet pastries.

The beautiful flowers are best picked immediately after they bloom. At this stage, they are at their most fragrant and can be added to salads and other dishes as a vibrant garnish. However, the special qualities of this herb also come into their own when candied or made into jelly. The young leaves and shoots can also be cooked in early spring and added to delicate vegetable dishes. Wild pansy flowers frozen in ice cubes add a lovely touch to refreshing drinks.

It is less well known that, in the past, the fine roots were also roasted and used as a coffee substitute.