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Native Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Viola pedata (Birdfoot violet)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Viola pedata L.

Birdfoot violet, Bird’s-foot violet, Bird-foot violet

Violaceae (Violet Family)

USDA Symbol: vipe

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Bird-foot violet is a low, clumped perennial, 4-10 in. high, with large, almost pansy-sized flowers. The leaves, almost round in outline, are 3/4–2 inches long, deeply cut into 3–5 segments, and these again narrowly lobed. The leaf stem is 4–6 inches long. Flowers are pale to dark purple, broad, flat, 1–1 1/2 inches across. They have 5 petals, the 2 upper ones smaller than the lower 3 and deep violet. The lowest petal has the dark streakings which are common to most violets. There are 5 stamens with brilliant orange anthers.

A most beautiful Violet of dry, upland sites. Its showy, light violet-blue flowers, distinctive birds-foot-shaped leaves make it easy to identify. It is pollinated by bees and butterflies. The bicolored form of this species, with its 2 upper petals a deep violet and the lower 3 a lilac shade, has been considered the most beautiful Violet in the world. This violet does not reproduce vegetatively like most other violets. Reproduction is by seed only.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit: Green
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Blue , Purple
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , WI , WV
Canada: NB , ON
Native Distribution: MA to MN, s. to GA & e. TX
Native Habitat: Rocky, open woods; sandy prairies & pinelands
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Dry, rocky, or sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: This plant is particularly susceptible to crown rot if drainage is not excellent.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies

Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)

Viola pedata is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Regal Fritillary
(Speyeria idalia)

Larval Host
Learn more at BAMONA

Propagation

Description: May be propagated by root cuttings taken in early spring or by seed. Seed can be planted immediately after collection or in the spring. Rootstock cuttings should be made lengthwise making sure each section has well-developed buds and roots.
Seed Collection: Collect in the brief time after the seed turns from white to brown and before the capsules explode (usually mid-Jun). Store dried seed in sealed, refrigerated containers.
Seed Treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 10 days.
Commercially Avail: yes

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Small perennials & grasses for a naturalized lawn
October 26, 2009
I am looking for native perennials and grasses that will grow no more than 8 inches tall that can be used in a naturalized lawn in Michigan. What 5 plants would be your first choice?
view the full question and answer

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE

Bibliography

Bibref 1186 - Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.
Bibref 1185 - Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright
Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller
Bibref 328 - Wildflowers of Texas (2003) Ajilvsgi, Geyata.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Viola pedata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Viola pedata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Viola pedata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-03-19
Research By: TWC Staff

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