Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
Erythronium rostratum
Plant Common Name
Beaked Troutlily, Yellow Troutlily
General Description
An elegant hardy perennial found in woodlands from Texas to Ohio, beaked trout lily is grown for its exquisite spring flowers and its strikingly marked foliage. The solitary, up-facing (rather than nodding) yellow flowers perch atop wiry, erect, leafless stems. Resembling small lilies, the flowers have six wide-flaring segments. Their exteriors are brushed with maroon. A starburst of purple-brown or yellow anthers protrudes from the gaping blooms. The broadly lance-shaped, bronze-green, pewter-dappled basal go dormant soon after the flowers 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
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 3
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
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Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
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Sun Exposure
Partial Shade
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Height
3"-6" / 7.6cm - 15.2cm
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Width
6"-12" / 15.2cm - 30.5cm
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring
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Native To
Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, South-Central United States, Texas
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Light Yellow, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Gray Green, Bronze, Silver
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
