Viola pedata aka Bird Foot Violet

Viola pedata, or bird's foot violet, belongs to the violet family. This small perennial comes from eastern North America. Kew places its native range in the southeastern United States. Its deeply cut leaves give the plant its common name. It grows in clumps and has underground rhizomes. Unlike some violets, it does not spread by runners.

Garden plants often stand about 0.3–0.5 feet (0.1–0.15 m) tall. NC State reports heights reaching 0.67 feet (0.2 m). Clumps spread about 0.5 feet (0.15 m) across. All leaves grow from the base of the plant. Each leaf divides into three to five narrow lobes. The foliage has no hairs and may persist through winter. It can also die back during summer. Green or purple flower stalks curve near their tips.

Each leafless stalk holds one flower above the leaves. Flowers have five petals and bright orange anthers. Their shades range from pale lavender to purple or white. Some have dark purple upper petals and pale blue lower petals. Dark lines mark the lowest petal. Bloom runs from March through June, depending on location. A few flowers may return in fall. In North Carolina, seed capsules ripen during May and June. The capsules throw out seeds when they open. A sweet coating draws ants, which help carry seeds away.

Give this violet sun and soil that drains well. It tolerates light shade and favors sand or sandy loam. Acid to neutral soil suits it. It accepts dry to moderately moist ground and tolerates drought. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 4–8. The RHS gives it an H7 hardiness rating. It needs more care than many other violets. Poor drainage can lead to crown rot. Slugs, snails, aphids, and glasshouse red spider mites may cause damage. The RHS says pruning is not needed.

Use small groups beside paths or among rocks. It also suits slopes, open woodland, and native wildflower gardens. Plants may seed themselves where conditions suit them. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers for nectar. Fritillary caterpillars feed on this violet. Birds and small mammals eat its seeds. Deer show some resistance to feeding on it. Seed provides a way to raise new plants.