Bird's-foot Violet is widely considered the most beautiful of North American violets, bearing large, pansy-like flowers in rich lavender-purple, often bicolored with deep violet upper petals. The deeply dissected, bird-foot-shaped leaves are distinctive among violet species. Found in dry, sandy or rocky open habitats across the eastern United States, it blooms in spring and sometimes again in fall. Unlike most violets, Bird's-foot Violet does not produce cleistogamous (self-fertilizing) closed flowers.
Habitat
Found in dry sandy or rocky open woodlands, barrens, and pine savannas across the eastern United States.
Diet
Provides nectar for long-tongued bees; host plant for fritillary butterfly caterpillars.
How common
Uncommon
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