Tammy SonsFounder/CEO, TN Nursery · CEO TN Nursery

Birds Foot Violets - An Excellent Flowering Groundcover Plant

20 Jul 2022 · 2 min

Watch on YouTube

1:30

In this TN Nursery YouTube video, the host introduces the bird's foot violet (Viola podata), highlighting its striking light violet‑blue, bicolored flowers that resemble a bird's foot. The plant thrives in well‑drained, sandy or dry, slightly acidic soils, especially in dry uplands, rocky sites, and black prairie soils. While it does not spread by stolons, it can reseed under ideal conditions; seeds are ejected a few centimeters away and attract ants due to a sweet coating. The violet blooms from mid‑ to late‑spring, occasionally in fall. It is non‑poisonous, with edible flower buds and young leaves that can be eaten raw or cooked, and its leaves can be used for tea. The speaker notes its popularity for landscape enrichment and beautification, emphasizing its visual appeal and suitability for garden settings.

Chapters

Welcome to TN Nursery YouTube channel. Today let's talk about bird's foot violet. Bird's foot violet, also known as Viola podata, has stunning light violet blue flowers. The flowers have a unique shape and resemble a bird's foot. The bicolored form of this species is the most beautiful violet in the world. It has 2 upper petals that are deep violet and the lower 3 that are lilac shade. This plant requires well-drained sandy or dry soils with a slightly acid pH. It does not spread by stolon, but in ideal conditions, it may reseed. The plant has common names like mountain pansy and others. It is not a poisonous plant. In general, it is regarded as a safe plant. Violets bloom from mid-spring to late spring. It is mainly observed to bloom in the fall on occasion. The seeds are discharged from the plant several centimeters away. The surface of the seed has a sweet substance that attracts ants. This plant has a few edible sections as well. Flower buds and young leaves can be eaten raw, or sometimes people cook these buds and leaves before eating. The leaves of this plant species can be used to make tea. The flowers are lovely and they constantly draw attention. Everyone appreciates seeing this plant because of the beautiful colors of the blossoms. Dry uplands with dry to rocky soils and well-drained black prairie soils are ideal habitats for this plant. People buy these plants for landscape enrichment and beautification.