The 10-km distribution of this species is stable. However, several sites have been lost in the Isles of Scilly since the 1950s, and others are threatened by coastal erosion, building development and by coarse vegetation. Colonies have been known to re-appear on former sites following disturbance, suggesting the presence of a persistent seed bank.
A tiny annual of short coastal turf, open disturbed areas on sandy soils, open sand on eroding coastal dunes, around rabbit burrows, and arable fields. It can also grow under the shelter of coastal Pteridium in the Isles of Scilly, and in thin soil on granite sea-cliffs in Guernsey.
How to get rid of:
Wild violets can be removed by hand, especially if you regularly inspect your lawn to control the plant before it spreads. But sometimes this weed calls for the use of chemical herbicides for complete eradication.
