Goosefoot Violet: A Lesser-Known Native Gem for West Coast Gardens
If you’re a native plant enthusiast always on the hunt for something a little different, the goosefoot violet (Viola purpurea quercetorum) might just pique your interest. This charming little perennial is one of those plants that flies under the radar, but deserves a closer look from gardeners who appreciate the subtle beauty of native wildflowers.
What Exactly is Goosefoot Violet?
Scientifically known as Viola purpurea quercetorum, the goosefoot violet is a native herbaceous perennial that belongs to the violet family. You might also see it listed under its synonym, Viola quercetorum, in some older botanical references. As a forb, this plant lacks woody tissue above ground and dies back seasonally, returning each spring from its underground parts.
Unlike some of its showier violet cousins, this subspecies tends to keep a low profile in the gardening world, which means you won’t find it at your typical garden center. But that’s part of its charm – it’s a true native plant for the purist!
Where Does It Call Home?
The goosefoot violet is native to the western United States, specifically found in California and Oregon. This relatively limited range makes it a special addition to gardens within its native territory, where it has evolved alongside local wildlife and adapted to regional growing conditions.
Should You Plant Goosefoot Violet?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky – and honestly, quite intriguing. While goosefoot violet is undoubtedly a legitimate native plant with a proper botanical pedigree, detailed cultivation information is surprisingly scarce. This could mean a few things:
- It’s primarily of interest to botanical researchers and serious native plant collectors
- It may have specific growing requirements that make it challenging to cultivate
- It might be naturally uncommon in the wild
- It could be perfectly growable but simply hasn’t caught on in mainstream horticulture
The Mystery of Growing Goosefoot Violet
If you’re determined to give this plant a try (and we admire your adventurous spirit!), you’ll likely need to do some detective work. Since specific growing information is limited, your best bet is to:
- Contact native plant societies in California and Oregon
- Reach out to botanical gardens or university extension programs in its native range
- Connect with specialized native plant nurseries
- Study its natural habitat if you’re lucky enough to encounter it in the wild
Like most violets, it’s reasonable to assume it might prefer some shade and consistent moisture, but this is educated guesswork rather than proven cultivation advice.
Alternative Native Violets to Consider
If you’re drawn to native violets but want something with more established growing information, consider these well-documented alternatives:
- Stream violet (Viola glabella) – great for moist, shaded areas
- Western dog violet (Viola adunca) – more sun-tolerant and widely available
- Redwood violet (Viola sempervirens) – perfect for woodland gardens
The Bottom Line
Goosefoot violet represents one of those fascinating plants that exists in the intersection between botanical science and gardening mystery. While we can’t provide a foolproof growing guide, we can say that if you manage to track down seeds or plants, you’ll be growing something truly special – a native plant that few gardeners have ever heard of, let alone grown.
Sometimes the most rewarding gardening adventures come from embracing the unknown. If you’re up for the challenge, goosefoot violet might just become your most interesting conversation starter in the garden!
