Viola pedata (birdfoot violet)

The birdfoot violet is a dimunitive groundcover for partly shady or shady areas. Good drainage is essential, so plant in soils that are sandy, rocky, or otherwise dry. Reaching no more than 1 foot in height, this type of violet produces blue, white, or violet blooms in the spring that attract butterflies and birds. This species of violet is a host plant for the regal fritillary.

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native)  

Photo credit: Joshua Mayer (Wikimedia Commons)