This splendid selection of our US native Viola pedata comes from native plant pioneer, Dr. Don Jacobs, of Decatur, Georgia. Viola pedata 'Eco Artist Palette' makes a small clump (3" tall x 3" wide) composed of finely dissected leaves that resemble...what else, bird's feet. The clumps are topped with pansy-like flowers in April/May, usually with some reflowering in late summer/early fall. Unlike the typical blue flowers, this selection has two dark blue-purple upper petals, contrasting with three near-white lower petals. At home in a sunny, well-drained rock garden, this is the only viola species in an otherwise weedy genera that we allow in our garden.
