How to identify Birdfoot Violet (Viola pedata)

How to identify Birdfoot Violet (Viola pedata)

Birdfoot Violet, also known as Mountain pansy

Birdfoot Violet is distinguished by its unique foliage, which includes only basal leaves with a characteristic trifurcation, resembling a bird's foot. The leaves' deep lobes are a noteworthy trait. It bears strikingly large flowers, up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) across, with a prominent palette of lavender-blue hues, often showcasing a bi-colored pattern. These flowers are further highlighted by vibrant orange anthers, and typically lack any hairs at the floral throat. The bloom period spans from early to late spring, with occasional reoccurrence in fall.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Birdfoot Violet

Basal leaves with trifurcation resembling a bird's foot.

Large flowers up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) across in lavender-blue hues.

Prominent orange anthers in flowers with bi-colored patterns.

Leaf lobes slender and elongated, with distinct finger-like appearance.

Stem slender, curved at tip, branching near base, 0.08 inches (2 mm) in diameter.

Detailed Traits of Birdfoot Violet

Leaf Features

The leaves of birdfoot Violet are almost round, measuring 0.75 to 2 inches (1.9 to 5 cm) long. They are deeply cut into 3 to 5 narrow lobes, providing a distinct, finger-like appearance. The lobes are slender and elongated, contributing to the unique shape of the foliage. The leaves are typically green, with a smooth texture and a prominent vein pattern that enhances their divided structure. This distinctive leaf morphology is crucial for identifying birdfoot Violet.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Birdfoot Violet produces delicate flowers that are 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) across. Each flower features five petals, with a soothing pale lavender to purple hue. The upper two petals are smaller than the three lower ones, and the lower central petal is marked with dark streaks. The flowers contain five stamens, each topped with a bright orange anther. Blooming occurs primarily from March to June, with occasional fall re-blooming in certain areas.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of birdfoot Violet is slender and can range in color from green to purple. It typically exhibits a slight curve at the tip. The texture is smooth, and the stem is relatively thin, around 0.08 inches (2 mm) in diameter. The stems frequently branch out near the base, adding to the plant's bushy appearance. This slight curve helps in identifying the stem of birdfoot Violet easily among other ground-cover plants.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of birdfoot Violet is a dry, dehiscent capsule that typically becomes available from May to June. When mature, this fruit forcefully ejects its seeds, which are ensconced in a sweet, gelatinous coating. This sugary layer is an adaptation to attract ants, a phenomenon known as myrmecochory, aiding in seed dispersal. The ejected seeds are vital for birdfoot Violet's reproduction and the continuation of the species.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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