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General Description

Uses

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Wildflowers of the Blue Ridge Parkway - Birdfoot Violet

General Description

Birdfoot Violet (or Bird’s Foot Violet) is a perennial flowering plant that thrives in partial to no shade environments, where soil tends to be well-drained.It blooms on the Parkway in March and continues through May.

The average size of the blooms is 1-1.5 inches, and the petals tend to match in color; however a deeper violet hue can be seen on the upper two petals. The common name for this plant comes from the fact that the leaves are deeply divided and resemble a bird’s foot.

Common names include Crowfoot Violet and Pansy Violet.

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Uses

Native Americans used the plant’s root to treat boils and the leaves to treat headaches. The Birdfoot Violet has been used in various infusions to alleviate the symptoms of dysentery and the common cold.

Violets are popular in salads, and can be used to thicken soups much like okra. Avoid eating flowers that are yellow in color as they can cause diarrhea.

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