Viola pedata is one of the signature species of black oak sand savannas. Blooming occurs in may; the plant becomes inconspicuous in midsummer. The common name is derived from the distintive shape of the foliage.

Biodiversity means more than the preservation of species--it means preservation of the genetic diversity expressed in particular species. The color variation shown in this photo is an example of the diversity that can be seen with the eye; however, most genetic variation is probably invisible to the casual observer.

This species is believed to be the larval host plant for the Regal Fritillary butterfly, a prairie dependent species. Other fritillaries also use this and other violets as larval hosts; in midsummer they feed on the nectar of Butterfly Milkweed. This relationship is an example of why it is important to include spring and mid-summer flowers in prairie and savanna restorations, along with the popular and easy-to-seed-collect late summer varieties. Without a representative cross section of forbs, the forage base for prairie insects will have gaps, and these beautiful prairie creatures are unlikely to survive.