Connecticut Plants
Birdfoot Violet
Viola pedata L.

This species seems to be everyone's favorite violet. The large, flat-faced flowers with prominent orange stamens and the very finely cut leaves distinguish birdfoot violet. Coast violet and early blue violet have cut leaves, but their flowers look fairly different.

  • Family: violet (Violaceae)
  • Habitat: dry, sandy fields; sunny rocky areas
  • Height: 4-10 inches
  • Flower size: 1 to 1-1/2 inches
  • Flower color: purple; upper petals sometimes much darker than the lower petals
  • Flowering time: April to June
  • Origin: native
Viola pedata L.
Viola pedata L.