Bird's-foot violet (Viola pedata) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 11
Special Significance of the Species
In Canada, Viola pedata is rare and occurs along the northern edge of the species’ range. The species is an important food source to several species of butterflies, most importantly the Regal Fritillary (Speyeria idalia), which itself is at risk in many jurisdictions in which it occurs (listed as a species of concern by U.S. Fish and Wildlife, extripated from 5 US states). The Ontario Conservation Data Centre has listed the Regal Fritillary as extirpated, however it may still occur sporadically in Ontario, but probably no longer has permanent populations (Layberry et al. 1998; D. Fraser, pers. comm.). Likely this is due to the historic reduction of the larval food plant.
Violets have a rich ethnobotanical history, and First Nations use of Viola pedata is no exception. A paper describing First Nations use of Viola pedata (D. Fraser pers, comm. 2002) can be found on the following website (The Ethnobotanical Uses of the Genus Viola by Native Americans).
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