Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
6 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Prefers low to average humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern and Central North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Viola pedata, commonly known as Bird's Foot Violet, is a perennial herb featuring distinctive deeply lobed leaves that resemble bird's feet and delicate violet flowers with five petals, often with prominent darker markings. This species is notable for its striking foliage and showy flowers that bloom in early spring, thriving in well-drained, sandy soils and often forming dense ground covers in native habitats.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist during active growth.
- Place in shaded or partially shaded area for best results.
- Mulch lightly to retain soil moisture.
- Divide every 2-3 years in early spring or fall.
- Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Pro Tip
Ensure soil remains moist and provide shade for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
- Divide plants every few years
Don't
- Avoid direct full sun exposure ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy, compacted soils
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Bird's Foot Violet questions
What zones can Bird's Foot Violet grow in?
Bird's Foot Violet is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Bird's Foot Violet deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Bird's Foot Violet, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Bird's Foot Violet bloom?
Bird's Foot Violet typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Bird's Foot Violet need full sun?
Bird's Foot Violet does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Viola to compare
Common Blue Violet
Viola sororia
Pansy
Viola wittrockiana 'Painted Porcelain'
Northern Lights Horned Violet
Viola cornuta 'Northern Lights'
Rebecca Horned Violet
Viola cornuta 'Rebecca'
Whopping Purple Whiskers Pansy
Viola tricolor 'Whopping Purple Whiskers'
Etain Violet
Viola viola 'Etain'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Bird's Foot Violet with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
