Birds Foot Violet Plant Description
Bird's foot violet (Viola pedata) is a native wildflower in North America, particularly in the eastern United States. It is also commonly known as birdsfoot violet, bird's foot violet, and pedate violet. The plant is named for its unique leaves, which are deeply divided into narrow, finger-like lobes that resemble the toes of a bird's foot.
The plant produces a low, compact rosette of foliage, with individual leaves reaching up to 6 inches long. The plant sends up several stems in early spring, each topped with a single flower. The flowers are small, typically no more than 1 inch in diameter, and are a pale shade of blue or lavender, with distinctive dark lines on the lower petals that serve as a nectar guide for pollinators.
Bird's Foot Violets Grow in Patches Like Creeping Phlox
These delicate perennials grow in patches like phlox. They are fragile and offer a beautiful carpet-like appearance wherever you plant them. They are easy to grow and native perennials, thus meaning easy to thrive.
Bird's foot violet prefers well-drained soil and partial shade and can be found in various habitats, including open woods, meadows, and prairies.
It is a relatively long-lived perennial, with individual plants typically living for over 5-6 years. However, it readily self-seeds and can form large colonies over time. It is a food source for native pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Bird's Foot Violet Plants are beautiful perennial plants
