Goose-foot Yellow Violet

Viola purpurea subsp. quercetorum

perennial herbView on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Size

1–1ft tall

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Edible

Flowers and leaves eaten raw or cooked; petals used in salads

Native Range

Oak woodlands and chaparral of the Sierra Nevada foothills and adjacent ranges, 2000-5000 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your Goose-foot Yellow Violet in full sun to part shade - it thrives in the bright conditions of Bay Area chaparral and foothills. Space it about 1 foot from neighboring plants, since mature plants stay small and compact. Plant in fall or early spring to give the roots time to establish before summer heat arrives.

After Planting

Water weekly during your first summer to help the plant settle in, then gradually reduce watering as it becomes established - this violet evolved in low-elevation mountains where moisture is seasonal. The biggest mistake is overwatering once established; these plants prefer drier conditions typical of their native habitat. You can expect thick, fleshy leaves (some with purplish tints) and cheerful yellow flowers with purple veining, and the plant is tough enough to resist hungry deer.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Zerene FritillarySpeyeria zerene

Zerene Fritillary; multiple subspecies of concern including S. z. hippolyta (ESA listed 1992)

Federal: Threatened, CA: Threatened

Coronis fritillarySpeyeria coronis

California state listed as Threatened; Species of Special Concern

CA: Threatened, CA Special Concern

Hydaspe FritillarySpeyeria hydaspe

California Species of Special Concern

CA Special Concern

Wildlife Supported