Viola dactyloides, commonly known as Fingered Violet, Leafy Violet, or Digitate Violet, is a perennial herb native to moist, grassy meadows, forest clearings, and along streams in Eastern Asia. It typically grows to a modest height of 0.3-0.5 feet (0.09-0.15 meters). This violet is characterized by its distinctive foliage and small, charming flowers. The blooms, which can be purple or white, appear in the spring and summer and are modest in size but can be quite showy due to their color contrast with the green foliage.

Fingered Violet is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it a suitable choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and as a ground cover in cooler, moist areas of the garden. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. Gardeners should be aware that Viola species can self-seed and spread, which is beneficial for creating a naturalized look but may require control in small garden spaces. For optimal growth, Fingered Violet prefers part shade to full shade and medium to slow-draining loam soils, with consistent moisture. It is not known for serious pest or disease problems, but slugs and snails can sometimes be attracted to the foliage.CC BY-SA 4.0