Tennessee Smart Yards Native Plants

A comprehensive database of Tennessee native plants

Birdsfoot Violet

Birdsfoot Violet

Viola pedata

Full to part sun, moderately dry to dry moisture level, lean sandy soil, strongly acid to moderately acid pH.  6-8 inches height, blooms in early spring, violet or purple flowers, will self-seed.

Germination Code:  M or C(60), D.   Difficult from seed.

Native Region:  Statewide except absent on western boundary of Tennessee

Because it requires lean soil and good drainage, this plant never becomes a pest.  Highly drought tolerant.  Can be difficult to successfully establish in a garden.  Needs to be kept free of weeds and other aggressive plants so it is not crowded out.  Short-lived.  Blossoms make good candy, jam, jelly, syrup and wine.  Edible leaves are high in Vitamin A and C.  Attracts bees and butterflies.

flower;sun;dry;sand
flower;sun/shade;dry;sand

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