California Golden Violet
Viola pedunculata
Care
full sun, part shade
moderate
Medium, Slow; Likes rich soil and no water in summer.
1–1ft tall
Jan-Dec
Evergreen
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Flowers and leaves eaten raw or cooked; petals used in salads
Grasslands and oak woodlands of central California from the San Francisco Bay area to San Luis Obispo County, below 3000 ft elevation.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your California Golden Violet in full sun to part shade in rich soil with medium to slow drainage. Space plants about 12 inches apart, as they typically grow low to the ground (around 12 inches tall). Fall through early spring is ideal for planting in the Bay Area, which gives the plant time to establish before summer arrives.
After Planting
Water moderately during the growing season (fall through spring when the plant flowers), but the key to success is cutting back water significantly in summer - this plant dislikes summer water. Once established, you can reduce watering frequency, letting the plant rely more on natural rainfall during the wet season. The #1 mistake is overwatering in summer; resist the urge to keep it wet when temperatures rise, as this plant evolved on dry California slopes and prefers to dry out during the warm months.
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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Federally listed as Endangered; California state listed as Endangered
California Threatened; Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Primary larval host plant for this native butterfly species
Larvae feed on viola leaves in spring; endemic to California foothills
Larval food plant utilized in spring
Caterpillars feed on viola foliage during spring growth
Polyphagous moth larvae feeding on viola leaves
Pollen collection during spring blooming
Polyphagous species using viola as secondary larval host
Caterpillar host plant in spring months
+2 more species