Viola pedata

Sizes available: 1 quart

Basics: zones 4-8, 4-6" x 6-12", part sun to high, light shade, lilac blue flowers in early summer, wants a well drained, acidic soil, sandy and not overly rich, will not tolerate winter wet

Common names: Bird's Foot Violet, Mountain Pansy

Family: Violaceae

Origin/Distribution: Native from Massachusetts west to Minnesota, south to Georgia, and east to Texas

Habitat: dry, uplands, rocky and open woods, often associated with pines

More: Attractive to bees and butterflies, will self sow if happy. Beautiful for a well-drained rock or gravel garden. The common name, Birdsfoot, alludes to the deeply dissected foliage reminiscent of bird feet. A host plant for the Regal Fritillary, Speyeria idalia, which is historically native to Maine, but considered extirpated from New England due to habitat loss.

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons