Parts used: The whole above ground wild pansy herb is collected and dried.

Phytochemicals: The important phytochemicals of wild pansy are Violutoside, Rutin, Violanthin, Scoparin, Orientin, Violaxnathin, Triterpene Saponins, Methyl-Salicylic Acid, Flavonoids, Tannins, Coumarin. Medicinal properties: Wild pansy has been used to treat skin diseases, eczema, asthma and epilepsy and asthma. It was also believed that the flowers wild pansy were good for the heart, hence its popular name of heartsease. Today, wild pansy is used to treat eczema, acne, pruritus and impetigo. The triterpenes, salicylates and flavonoids are responsible for the anti-inflammatory action of wild pansy.

Pansies are used for color massing, edging, containers and window boxes during the fall, winter and spring. Pansies thrive in cool weather. They will bloom any time that the temperature is above freezing. Their peak bloom is in spring. They fade and should be discarded with the start of hot summer weather. Pansies grow best in a location that receives morning sun and has rich, well-draining organic soil. Add manure, leaf mold or compost to soil to increase organic content. Sow seed indoors in late summer, six to eight weeks before transplanting. The pansies can be transplanted into the garden once the summer heat has been broken and cooler weather arrives.

If you purchase plants, choose ones that are stocky with dark green foliage and have few blooms but many buds. Plant pansies and Johnny-jump-ups 6 to 8 inches apart for small-flowered cultivars and 10 to 12 inches apart for large-flowered. Water well after planting and continue to water through the fall and winter any time that less than an inch of rain falls during the week.