In March-May Pittsylvania County's sandy woodland edges and open, upland rocky areas harbor the impressive Birdfoot Violet. Its many-divided, narrow leaf lobes set the species aside from other local violets; the relatively large flowers with a variety of colors, including two-tone individuals, invoke a feeling of awe within the imagination of most naturalists.
How can this often colonizing (in clumps) violet take hold in a relatively barren soil? — A thought enters my mind, because I usually associate delicately beautiful wildflowers with a rich woodland environment.
Copyright © 2006 William T. Hathaway.