A star of the early spring stage, Bird’s Foot Violet is an elegant, diminutive diva of a plant. What it lacks in height it makes up for in style and presence, standing out with the most gorgeous and deliciously fragrant purple and orange-eyed flowers. Its leaves resemble adorable baby birds’ feet, but this violet doesn’t run – it spreads only by seed – and as such appreciates some space to self-sow. Bird's Foot Violet is the larval host to several of our native butterflies and grows best in drier conditions with sharply-draining soil.
Conditions: Full sun; prefers dry soils; ensure good drainage to avoid rot
Size: <6" tall, <6” wide
Zone: 4 - 8
Wildlife Value: Larval host plant for frittillary butterflies; provides important early spring nectar for bees
Photo: Samantha Nestory