The birdfoot violet is a member of the Violaceae family of plants and is native to the United States. Botanically it is called Viola pedata.
Birdfoot Violet Description
Growing 4 to 10 inches tall, this flower has pansy-like flowers and grows as a clumped perennial. Leaves are deeply cut and green. Flowers are blue or purple hued, flat, and broad. The lowest of the petals will have streakings. Blooms also have orange anthers. Bloom season is between March and June.
Growing Guide
The Viola pedata prefers to grow in partial shade or full shade lighting conditions with a dry acidic soil. It will need good drainage. Propagate by seed or by root cuttings. Seed should be brown when collected, typically in mid-June, and then have 10 days of cold-moist stratification. Root cuttings can be done in he early spring, cutting lengthwise so that there is a bud and root to the cutting.
Distribution
This native is found in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. It is seen in pinelands, prairies, and rocky woods.
Wildlife Attracted
This violet attracts birds and butterflies to the landscape. It is a larval host plant for the Regal Fritillary butterfly and does well in butterfly gardens.
Problems
The birdfoot violet is prone to getting crown rot if there is not well-drained soil.
Source: NPIN