Bird’s Foot Violet

Description

Viola pedata, also called Bird’s Foot Violet, is a native perennial forb (wildflower) which features deeply divided leaves, somewhat resembling a bird’s foot. It commonly occurs in dryish soils in rocky woods, slopes, glades and roadsides.

This species is an excellent nectar plant for butterflies, and some butterflies, particularly the fritillaries, use the foliage of violets as their caterpillars’ food plant. The cobweb skipper is a single-brooded grass skipper that flies only from mid-April into May. The adults love to nectar at bird’s-foot violet, which starts blooming on Ozark glades in April.

This species is attractive in mass plantings or groups in rock gardens. Ground cover for slopes or open woodland areas. Sunny areas of native plant or wildflower gardens. Along paths. This species can be used in home gardening but does not appreciate being transplanted. Best to start from seed.

Occurs on rocky, well-drained, usually acid soils of open woods, road embankments, glades, bluffs, and ridges. Appreciates disturbed areas with perfect drainage but cannot survive the later intrusion of competing plants.

Videos About This Plant

To learn more about this plant, check out our videos about it and its uses.

The Butterfly that Needs Violets