Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
Erythronium americanum
Plant Common Name
Dogtooth Violet, Yellow Adder's Tongue
General Description
An elegant hardy perennial from moist woodlands of eastern North America, yellow trout lily is grown for its exquisite spring flowers and its strikingly marked foliage. Nodding from wiry, naked stems above paired basal leaves, the solitary yellow flowers have six backswept segments that give them the appearance of taking flight. Their exteriors are brushed with maroon. A starburst of purple-brown or yellow anthers protrudes from the gaping blooms. The broadly lance-shaped basal leaves are bronze-green dappled with silver. The leaves emerge before the flowers and go dormant soon after the blooms wither. Plants grow from small, tooth-shaped bulbs, which spread via underground stolons. Some forms of this plant tend to spread more and flower less than others.
This lovely perennial grows and flowers best in partial shade and well-drained, humus-rich soil. It fares poorly in wet or arid soil. It will often self-sow where happy. Use it in shaded rock gardens, borders, or naturalistic plantings. Although sometimes a slow grower and shy bloomer, it is nonetheless worthwhile and beautiful.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
9 - 2
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 9
-
Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 17
-
Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
-
Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
-
Height
3"-6" / 7.6cm - 15.2cm
-
Width
3"-6" / 7.6cm - 15.2cm
-
Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring
-
Native To
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, Central United States
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Loam
-
Growth Rate
Slow
-
Water Requirements
Average Water
-
Habit
Clump-Forming
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Color
Yellow, Light Yellow, Burgundy, Bronze, Brown
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Purple, Light Green, Gray Green, Brown, Bronze, Silver
-
Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
-
Fragrant Flowers
No
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Repeat Bloomer
No
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
Yes
-
Foliage Texture
Medium
-
Foliage Sheen
Glossy
-
Evergreen
No
-
Showy Bark
No
