Alphabetical Plant Listing

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.

Violets (Viola): How to Grow and Care with Success

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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

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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

Guides with Viola - Violets

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