California golden violet
Viola pedunculata
Last reviewed: October 2026
California golden violet (Viola pedunculata) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in February, March, April, and May. The flowers draw small native bees.
Toxicity unknown
California golden violet (Viola pedunculata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–10" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA
Pollinators
small native bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like California golden violet.
Browse plants for this ecoregion
A low, clumping perennial with heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers marked with dark brownish-purple veins on the lower petals. Grows in grassland on clay soils, often going dormant during the dry summer months.
Growing California golden violet
Grow California golden violet in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 10 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Host plant for Callippe silverspot.
The foliage is the sole larval host plant for the endangered Callippe silverspot butterfly, making it an important species for grassland butterfly conservation.
Common questions
- How much sun does California golden violet need?
- California golden violet grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does California golden violet bloom?
- California golden violet blooms in February, March, April, and May.
- Where is California golden violet native?
- California golden violet (Viola pedunculata) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does California golden violet host?
- California golden violet is a larval host plant for Callippe silverspot.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow California golden violet? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.