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Erythronium (Trout Lily)

Dog Tooth Violet, Trout Lily, Adder's Tongue, Fawn Lily

Dog's Tooth Violet

Easy to grow, durable, and long-lived, Erythronium, also known as Trout Lily, enchants with its graceful nodding lily-shaped flowers and strikingly marbled elliptic leaves.

What is Trout Lily?

Erythronium, commonly known as dog’s tooth violet or trout lily, is a genus of spring-flowering perennial plants that are native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. There are over 20 species, most from Western North America, but a few are in eastern North America and Eurasia.

Description: Erythronium are notable for their nodding, lily-like flowers, which usually come in shades of yellow, pink, or white, often with strikingly patterned leaves. Each plant typically bears one to three flowers on a slender stalk.

Growth Habit and Size: These are low-growing plants that usually reach around 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) in height. They grow from a bulb and have a clump-forming growth habit. They are great naturalizers and gleefully multiply over time to form a carpet of foliage and flowers.

Flowers: Trout lilies are prized for their nodding, lily-shaped flowers adorned with gracefully reflexed petals. The flowers have six petal-like segments and are often marked with various colors.

Foliage: The leaves are basal, long, and often mottled or spotted with purple-bronze, giving rise to the common name ‘trout lily’. The attractive foliage and delicate flowers make them a standout in the spring garden.

Blooming Season: Erythroniums are spring bloomers, usually flowering in mid to late spring, though this can vary slightly depending on climate and species.

Hardiness: Most Erythronium species are hardy and can withstand winter temperatures, making them suitable for growing in USDA zones 3-9.

Uses: Due to their beautiful flowers and foliage, Erythroniums are often used in woodland gardens, rock gardens, and naturalized areas. They can be planted in drifts under deciduous trees or combined with other spring-flowering woodland plants.

Pollinators: The flowers are known to attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity of your garden.

Toxicity: Erythronium is not known to be toxic to humans or pets. However, as with any plant, it’s always a good idea to prevent ingestion and keep it out of reach of small children and pets.

Deer and Rabbit: Erythroniums are generally resistant to deer and rabbits, making them a good choice for areas where these animals are common.

Drought: Erythroniums prefer moist soil and are not particularly drought-tolerant. They do best in areas with consistent moisture, particularly in the spring during their growth period.

Invasiveness: Erythroniums are not considered invasive. They spread slowly over time but are not aggressive spreaders.

Key Facts: The common name ‘dog’s tooth violet’ comes from the shape and color of the bulbs, which are white and elongated like a dog’s canine tooth. Despite the name, they are not related to violets but belong to the lily family (Liliaceae).

erythronium, Dog Tooth Violet, Trout Lily, Adder's Tongue, Fawn Lily

Why Should I Grow Trout Lily?

Growing Trout Lily in your garden comes with several benefits:

Stunning Spring Blooms: One of the primary reasons gardeners love Trout Lily is for its charming, nodding flowers that bloom in spring. Their bright colors can add a beautiful pop to your garden after a long winter.

Attractive Foliage: Even when not in bloom, Trout Lily contributes significantly to your garden’s visual appeal. Its mottled leaves offer a unique texture that lasts beyond the flowering season.

Low Maintenance: Trout Lily is a hardy plant that requires little care once established. It’s also relatively resistant to common pests and diseases, which means less work for you in the long run.

Good for Pollinators: Trout Lilies attract bees and other beneficial insects, promoting a healthy ecosystem in your garden.

Deer and Rabbit Resistant: If your garden is frequently visited by deer or rabbits, Trout Lily can be a good choice. These animals typically avoid the plant, leaving your flowers safe and untouched.

Naturalizes Over Time: Trout Lily spreads slowly, creating a beautiful carpet of leaves and flowers over time. It’s excellent for giving a natural, woodland feel to a garden.

Versatile Planting Options: Trout Lily is ideal for shaded garden areas under trees or shrubs, and it can add beauty to rock gardens or border fronts. This versatility makes it a flexible addition to your landscaping design.

Historical and Cultural Significance: Several Native American tribes historically used parts of Trout Lily for medicinal purposes, and it’s often seen in literature and folklore. Planting Trout Lily can be a way to connect with nature and history.

In summary, Trout Lily is an attractive, easy-to-care-for plant that adds beauty and biodiversity to your garden. It’s a wonderful option for any gardener seeking to enhance their landscape with minimal effort.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Genus Erythronium
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 4" - 1'
(10cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Native Plants United States, Maine, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Delaware, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Southwest, Southeast, Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Northeast, California, Kansas, Nebraska, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Minnesota, South Dakota, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Oregon, Washington, Kentucky, Georgia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees
Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Prairie and Meadow

Most Popular Trout Lily varieties

Garden Design with Trout Lily

Thanks to its striking flowers and foliage, Trout Lily is a wonderful addition to many garden designs. Here are some ways to incorporate Trout Lilies into your garden:

Woodland Garden: Trout Lily thrives in conditions similar to its native woodland habitats. Plant them under deciduous trees or amongst shrubs. They blend well with other woodland plants like ferns, hostas, and bleeding hearts. Their beautiful flowers will provide a burst of color amongst the greenery in spring.

Rock Garden: With their low-growing habit and tolerance for well-drained soils, Trout Lilies can be a beautiful addition to a rock garden. Their colorful flowers can create a lovely contrast against the grey of the rocks.

Border Fronts: Planting Trout Lilies at the front of a border or flower bed can make a beautiful display in spring. They can be paired with other spring-blooming perennials for a succession of color.

Naturalized Areas: Trout Lilies spread slowly over time to form a carpet of leaves and flowers. Plant them in a naturalized area, meadow, or slope, and over time they will create a beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover.

Container Planting: If space is an issue, Trout Lilies can also be grown in containers. Choose a deep container to accommodate the long bulbs and place it in a spot that gets partial shade.

Rain Garden: Trout Lilies can tolerate moist soils, making them a good choice for a rain garden. They can help to add color and interest to these often overlooked parts of the garden.

Around Ponds or Streams: If you have a water feature in your garden, planting Trout Lilies nearby can help to create a natural, peaceful environment.

Remember to consider Trout Lily’s preference for dappled shade and well-drained soil when choosing where to plant them. With the right conditions, these beautiful, low-maintenance plants can add a touch of woodland charm to your garden.

Companion Plants

Trout Lily is an excellent companion to many shade-loving, woodland plants. The following are some plants that pair well with Trout Lily in terms of growth habits, cultural needs, and aesthetic appeal:

Ferns: Native ferns, such as the Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) or the Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), share the Trout Lily’s preference for woodland conditions and create a beautiful, textured backdrop for its spring blooms.

Hostas: With their lush foliage, hostas provide a beautiful contrast to the delicate flowers of Trout Lily and can help fill the garden once the Trout Lily’s foliage dies back in summer.

Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra): The delicate, heart-shaped flowers of Bleeding Hearts can complement the spring blooms of Trout Lily beautifully. Both plants thrive in similar conditions.

Trilliums: Trilliums are another native woodland plant that bloom in spring. Their bold, three-petaled flowers can create a lovely contrast with the more delicate flowers of Trout Lily.

Columbine (Aquilegia): Columbines also thrive in woodland conditions and their unique flowers can add another layer of interest to a Trout Lily planting.

Spring-blooming bulbs: Other spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, snowdrops, and crocuses can provide a succession of color when planted with Trout Lilies.

Wild Ginger (Asarum): The lush, heart-shaped leaves of wild ginger can provide a lovely contrast to the mottled foliage of Trout Lily and will continue to provide interest after the Trout Lilies have gone dormant.

These are just a few suggestions. The most important thing is to choose companion plants that thrive in similar conditions—partial to full shade, well-draining soil, and similar water needs. By doing this, you can create a harmonious, thriving garden that highlights the beauty of each plant.

Companion Plants for Trout Lily

Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern)
Athyrium (Lady Fern)
Hosta (Plantain Lily)
Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)
Trillium
Aquilegia (Columbine)
Narcissi (Daffodils)
Crocus vernus (Dutch Crocus)
Galanthus (Snowdrop)

Growing Tips

Erythronium can be a delightful addition to your garden. Here are steps on how to grow Erythronium:

Choosing a Location: Erythronium thrives in a partially shaded location. The area under deciduous trees or shrubs can be a good choice as it will allow plenty of light in spring and provide shade in the summer.

Preparing the Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, prepare the soil by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage.

Planting: Erythronium is typically grown from bulbs. The bulbs are elongated and should be planted about 4 inches (10 cm) deep and 4 inches (10 cm) apart. Be careful while handling the bulbs as they can be brittle. The pointed end of the bulb should be upwards.

Watering: After planting, water well and keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during spring when the plant is actively growing. However, make sure the site has good drainage as the bulbs do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. They need moist soil, even when dormant – do not let the soil dry out!

Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around the plant can help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Care During Dormancy: Erythronium becomes dormant during summer, at which point you can reduce watering. The foliage will die back, but the bulbs will remain in the ground, ready to sprout the following spring.

Propagation: Erythronium can be propagated by seed or by division of the bulbs. If you’re growing from seed, be aware that it can take several years for the plant to reach flowering size.

Fertilizing: Generally, Erythronium doesn’t require much feeding if you’ve prepared the soil well. If needed, a slow-release bulb fertilizer can be applied in early spring.

Pests and Diseases: Erythronium is generally trouble-free, but keep an eye out for slugs and snails that may be attracted to the foliage.

By following these steps, you can enjoy the beautiful spring blooms of Erythronium in your garden. They require minimal care once established, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

Trout Lily (Erythronium): How to Grow and Care with Success
Plant Combination Ideas with Hellebores
Plant Combination Ideas with Snowdrops
Underplanting Birches
Companion Plants for your Japanese Maples
Best Annual Flowers and Plants for Shade
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Genus Erythronium
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 4" - 1'
(10cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Native Plants United States, Maine, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Delaware, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Southwest, Southeast, Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Northeast, California, Kansas, Nebraska, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Minnesota, South Dakota, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Oregon, Washington, Kentucky, Georgia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees
Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Prairie and Meadow
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