bird's foot violet

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

0.25-0.75 ft. tall
0.25-0.75 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Seeds need a cold moist stratification of 10 days. Rootstock cuttings require well-developed buds and roots.

Plants/Diseases

No significant disease or pest issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae

Leaves

Basal leaves only. Orbicular or palmatifid with deeply cut lobes.

Flowers

Lavender to purple. Sometimes bicolor with five petals.

Fruit

Capsule.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Dry, Medium

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Forests, woodlands, roadbanks, and glades with dry rocky or sandy soil.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Uncommon in the coastal plain. Common in the sandhills, piedmont, and mountains.

Subspecies

Viola pedata ssp. cuneatiloba

Viola pedata ssp. pedata

Viola pedata var. flabellata