Viola pedatifida (Prairie Violet)

Native to North America, Viola pedatifida (Prairie Violet) is a low-growing perennial forming a basal rosette of pinnately-divided, medium green leaves reminiscent of a bird’s foot or resembling those of larkspurs (Delphinium). From mid-spring to early summer, attractive, deep blue-violet flowers, about 1 in. wide (2.5 cm), with conspicuous white throats, are displayed. Their lateral petals are bearded, and the lower petal is lined with dark purple lines that are nectar guides for insects. A second bloom may occur in the fall. The blossoms hang atop leafless stalks barely taller than the foliage. Viola pedatifida is a larval host plant for several varieties of fritillary butterflies. Small self-pollinating flowers (cleistogamous) are produced and form a seed capsule, usually close to the ground. In most violets, the cleistogamous flowers produce an abundance of seeds. Easy, hardy, and adaptable, Prairie Violet grows naturally in prairies and other mesic areas from a thick rhizome. It is well-suited to border fronts, rock gardens, cottage gardens, or prairies.

• Growing up to 4-8 in. tall (10-20 cm), this Violet will spread by self-seeding and creeping rhizomes without being aggressive.
• A full sun to part shade lover, it is best grown in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Will tolerate some dryness. It prefers full sun in the northern part of its growing range but welcomes partial shade in the hot southern part of its growing range.
• This plant is very versatile and can be used in beds and borders, underplanting shrubs and roses, cottage gardens, rock gardens, and prairies and meadows.
• Watch for slugs, snails, violet gall midge, powdery mildew, and pansy leaf spot. Deer resistant.
• Deadhead to prolong flowering.
• Propagate by stratified seed planted in fall. Seeds need 60 days of cold stratification.
• Native to North America.