Characteristics of the Birds Foot Violet

The Viola Pedata or Birds Foot Violet

The Birds Foot Violet is a perennial mountain plant that grows in northeastern American areas.

The Appalachian mountain range is the leading home for these wildflowers. Large, light purple flowers bloom in mid-spring or early summer. The plant grows best in the USDA zones of 4-9 and likes full or partial sun.

The bird's foot violet is very particular about where it lives. These plants are complex to suit as they prefer well-drained acidic soil. Overwatering can quickly kill these plants. These plants are best grown between USDA zones 4 and 9. They also favor areas like rock gardens and areas where other plants struggle to live. The hard work put into keeping this plant alive is very rewarding. The number of Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds is incredible, making it perfect for animal lovers and those who need pollinators for their other plants. The flowers of this plant are great,  a light blue or purple. Plus, the leaves of this plant are evergreen, giving it color even in the dead of winter; these leaves are also soft-textured.

This plant may be very particular about its living conditions but will thrive when placed in a good location. It will also give you plenty of beautiful flowers. The flowers will make tiny seeds that can be used to grow new plants were ever needed. This plant's watering needs are average, but it can easily be killed if overwatered or underwatered. The plant's pollinator-attracting ability is excellent for placing near fruiting plants that need as much pollination as possible. Overall, this plant is perfect for hard rocky soil and rock gardens, making it a hit for those who live in these areas.

Bird's Foot Violet An Aborigine for the Persuaded Landscaper

The bird's foot violet (Viola pedata) is one plant that I love - I have been a veteran gardener for 30 years, growing plants from wildflowers. This small but hardy wildflower is a work of art of nature. Adapted to open woodlands and sandy loams in North America, Bird's Foot Violet is elegant enough for any native garden. The leaf splits so neatly, a bit like a bird's claw, giving it its name, and its flowers, pale lavender to dark violet with a touch of orange center, are as beautiful as they come.

You don't need much for this plant-just good drainage and a sunny or partially shaded place where it can soak up some light. It does very well in conditions that other plants are likely to find difficult-rock face or sandy loam are its home territory, in my experience. It has grown like a wildflower where others have failed; I've witnessed it. It flowers from early spring to early summer and is one of the first signs of the garden recovering.

But more than a pretty sight, the Bird's Foot Violet is an indispensable species for native ecosystems. Its blooms are loaded with nectar, and a wide range of pollinators come from the native bees and butterflies. For the Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly, violets such as this allow larvae to feed and develop, and it's a basic component of biodiversity.

The Bird's Foot Violet Are Always in Demand

And the Bird's Foot Violet - this I have thought often- is one of the things I have always loved about gardening: the grace in adversity. Its resistance to soil that isn't quite the right fit is much like the toughness of a veteran gardener over time. To plant Bird's Foot Violets is a relationship with the earth. It doesn't just flower; it blooms and does it so naturally with little attention because sometimes I think some of the best things in the world happen by design.

They coexist happily in my garden with local favorites such as black-eyed susans and Wild Blue Phlox in a carpet of hues and forms. I'm an old gardener and love that this humble plant inspires young people to value native plants and take care of them. Bird's Foot Violet isn't a flower. It's a tale of perseverance, humility, and the unsung joys of living in tune with the earth.

TN Nursery offers Sweet Violets, which are similar.

Source to Buy Violets: TN Nursery