Bird's Foot Violet

About Bird's Foot Violet

Bird's Foot Violet is a show-stopping native wildflower, widely considered the most beautiful of North American violets. Named for its deeply divided, fan-shaped leaves that resemble a bird's footprint, this low-growing perennial reaches 4 to 8 inches in height. From April to June, it produces large, flat-faced flowers in shades of lilac and velvety deep purple. Unlike many other violets, its blooms are open and lack a 'beard' of hairs, making nectar easily accessible to bees and butterflies. Native to the eastern and central U.S., it is a specialist of high-quality, undisturbed habitats like dry prairies and rocky open woods. It is a sun-loving species that demands well-drained, sandy, or rocky acidic soils and does not tolerate competition from taller plants. An exquisite choice for rock gardens or sandy borders, this slow-growing species rewards the patient gardener with a truly spectacular spring display.