Bird’s-Foot Violet

(Viola pedata)

Bird’s-Foot Violet (Viola pedata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Viola pedata, commonly known as Bird’s-foot Violet or Mountain Pansy, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to dry, sandy areas and open woodlands in central and eastern North America. This violet is known for its distinctive foliage, which resembles a bird’s foot, and its striking flowers. Typically, it reaches 4-6 inches in height and spreads 6-8 inches wide. The species exhibits two primary color forms: Viola pedata var. lineariloba ("concolor"), which displays solid pink-lilac-lavender flowers, and var. pedata ("bicolor"), with deep red-purple superior petals and pink-lilac-lavender lateral and interior petals. The less common Viola pedata var. linearloba forma alba features pure white flowers. Bird’s-foot Violet blooms in the spring and is valued for its unique flower shape and coloration.

Bird’s-foot Violet is appreciated for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, acidic soils, making it suitable for rock gardens, native plant gardens, and restoration projects. It is also used to attract and support native pollinators. While it can be challenging to establish in typical garden settings due to its specific soil requirements, it requires minimal maintenance once established. It prefers full to partial sun and well-drained, acidic soils. Overwatering or rich, organic soils can be detrimental to its health. There are no major disease problems, but it can suffer from root rot if the soil is not well-drained.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.3-0.5 feet
  • Width: 0.3-0.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to dry, sandy areas and open woodlands in central and eastern North America

Other Names

Common Names: Bird’s-Foot Violet, Mountain Pansy, Birdfoot Pansy, Crowfoot, Pansy Violet, Bird-Foot Violet, Crowfoot Violet, Violette Pied-D’Oiseau, Violette Pédalée, Fågelviol

Scientific Names: , Viola pedata, Viola atropurpurea, Viola pedata f. pedata, Viola pedata var. lineariloba, Viola pedata f. rosea, Viola ampliata, Viola redunca, Viola pedata var. bicolor, Viola digitata

GBIF Accepted Name: Viola pedata L.