prairie wildflower
California Golden Violet
Viola pedunculata
1 of 2Native to California
California Coast Ranges from Sonoma and Colusa counties, south to Mexico
- Light Full sun Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom Feb–Apr Flowering time
- Height up to 16 in to 41 cm
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A prairie wildflower for full sun. Its yellow flowers peak in March. At up to 16 in, it tucks into meadows and sunny borders.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
When it blooms
The California Golden Violet's yellow flowers bloom February to April, peaking in March. This early-spring display draws bees and moths.
California Golden Violet blooms yellowFoliage
Pollinators & wildlife
- Bees Red-belted Bumble Bee
- Moths Alfalfa Looper
- Butterflies Sara Orangetip
Butterflies that use this plant
Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.
- Aphrodite fritillarycaterpillar host
- Great spangled fritillarycaterpillar host
- Silver-bordered fritillarycaterpillar host
- Variegated fritillarycaterpillar host
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- PrairieThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- CaliforniaUnited States (1): CA. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- California Coast Ranges from Sonoma and Colusa counties, south to MexicoThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full sunHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Soil
- Well-drained soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
- Soil texture
- Light to heavy (sandy to clay)The soil grade it prefers, from sand to clay.
- Soil pH
- Acid to neutralThe acidity to alkalinity it tolerates (7 is neutral).
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 16 in (to 41 cm)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Feb–AprWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- YellowThe bloom color, or colors.
- Fruit/Seeds
- Capsule; ripens Mar–MayThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.