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Viola pedatifida (Prairie Violet)

Prairie Violet, Purple Prairie Violet, Larkspur Violet, Crow-foot Violet, Coastal Violet, Viola palmata var. pedatifida

Viola pedatifida,Prairie Violet, Purple Prairie Violet, Larkspur Violet, Crow-foot Violet, Coastal Violet, Viola palmata var. pedatifida, Shade plants, shade perennial, violet flowers, plants for shade

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.

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


Want to learn how to grow and care for Violets like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these charming plants

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Violaceae
Genus Viola
Common names Violet
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 4" - 8"
(10cm - 20cm)
Spread 4" - 8"
(10cm - 20cm)
Spacing 6" - 8"
(15cm - 20cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Southwest, Ohio, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, Iowa, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Viola palustris (Marsh Violet)
Viola sempervirens (Evergreen Violet)
Viola rotundifolia (Round-Leaved Violet)
Viola glabella (Pioneer Violet)
Viola bicolor (Field Pansy)
Viola cucullata (Marsh Blue Violet)

Recommended Companion Plants

Geum triflorum (Prairie Smoke)
Viola pedata (Bird’s Foot Violet)
Oxalis violacea (Violet Wood Sorrel)
Viola striata (Striped White Violet)

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Viola (Violet)
Native Plant Alternatives to Viola tricolor (Johnny Jump up)
Pansies: How to Grow and Care with Success
Violets (Viola): How to Grow and Care with Success
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Violaceae
Genus Viola
Common names Violet
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 4" - 8"
(10cm - 20cm)
Spread 4" - 8"
(10cm - 20cm)
Spacing 6" - 8"
(15cm - 20cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Southwest, Ohio, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, Iowa, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Viola (Violet)
Not sure which Viola (Violet) to pick?
Compare Now

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