Viola pedata (Bird's Foot Violet) Unity Grown

Viola pedata, also commonly known as bird's foot violet, is a low-growing shade wildflower native to much of the eastern half of the contiguous US. Clumping by nature, Viola pedata grows to 4-10" tall and spreads by reseeding to form small colonies over time. Performing best in dry, shade to part-shade locations, bird's foot violet produces relatively large flowers for their size, up to an inch and a half across, in shades of white, lavender, and royal purple, occasionally with multiple shades on a single flower.

Bird's foot violet's spring to early summer flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies, including the Regal Fritillary (Speyeria idalia), for which it is a larval host. Once pollinated, flowers will turn to seed, which is also attractive to birds as a food source. Though Viola pedata is especially delicate looking among native violets, it is just as hardy as it as beautiful and ecologically beneficial.