Violet rocket
Iodanthus pinnatifidus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Violet rocket (Iodanthus pinnatifidus) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, IA, IL and 13 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw native bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown
Violet rocket (Iodanthus pinnatifidus) 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
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, IA, IL and 13 more states
Pollinators
native bees, butterflies
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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
A mustard-family perennial with toothed leaves and loose clusters of small, four-petaled lavender-purple flowers in spring. Grows along shaded streambanks and woodland edges with an open, slightly sprawling habit.
Growing Violet rocket
Grow Violet rocket in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Its spring flowers are visited by native bees and small butterflies.
Common questions
- How much sun does Violet rocket need?
- Violet rocket grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Violet rocket bloom?
- Violet rocket blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Violet rocket native?
- Violet rocket (Iodanthus pinnatifidus) is native to AL, AR, IA, IL and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Violet rocket attract?
- Violet rocket draws native bees and butterflies.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Violet rocket? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.