Viola pedata (Bird's Foot Violet)
Birdfoot Violet, Bird's Foot Violet, Bird-foot Violet
Viola pedata (Bird's Foot Violet) is a rhizomatous, low-growing perennial forming a carpet of fresh green leaves, palmately divided into 3-5 narrow segments, and reminiscent of a bird’s foot. The large flowers, 1.5 in. across (3 cm), feature two dark violet upper petals, three pale lilac lower petals adorned with dark veins, and a bouquet of brilliant orange stamens in the center. They are pollinated by bees and butterflies. Blooming in spring, the blossoms rest atop their own leafless stalk just above the foliage. Bird's Foot Violet is not the easiest violet to cultivate, but is worth the effort. A lovely addition to the rock garden.
- Grows up to 3-6 in. tall and wide (7-15 cm). This plant may self-seed if happy.
- A full sun lover, it is best grown in sandy or gravelly, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Will tolerate part shade. Foliage may die back in summer.
- Deer resistant, it is generally pest and disease free. This plant is particularly susceptible to crown rot if drainage is not excellent.
- May be propagated by root cuttings taken in early spring or by seed.
- Native to eastern North America.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Viola - Violets |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
Spread | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
Spacing | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden |
KAnne Lindgren, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Viola - Violets |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
Spread | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
Spacing | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden |