Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Viola pedata L.
Birdfoot violet, Bird’s-foot violet, Bird-foot violet
Violaceae (Violet Family)
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.
Image Gallery:
16 photo(s) available
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 , DE , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NE , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV , WI , DC
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:
Last Update: 2009-03-19
