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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.

Violet rocket (Iodanthus pinnatifidus)
Photo: (c) Andrea Corpolongo, some rights reserved (CC BY)

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 area

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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Violet rocket? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.