About this cultivar:
Erythronium americanum (commonly called yellow trout lily, yellow fawn lily and yellow dog-tooth violet) is a Missouri native spring wildflower that occurs in moist woods, on wooded slopes and bluffs, and along streams in the southern part of the State. A single, nodding, bell- or lily-shaped yellow flower blooms atop a naked scape sheathed by two glossy, tongue-shaped, tulip-like, basal leaves in early spring. Anthers are yellow to brown. Leaves are mottled with brown and purple.
I believe it was first was described by John Bellenden Ker Gawler in 1808.
Possibly my favourite Erythronium.
- Position: Full sun, partial shade
- Soil: Almost any soil, grows well in Ballyrobert
- Flowers: April, May
- Other features: Grows well in Ballyrobert, Woodland Plant, Dappled Shade or Full Shade Loving
- Hardiness: Fully hardy - grows well in Ballyrobert!
- Habit: Clump forming
- Foliage: Deciduous
- Height: 10 - 25 cm (0.3 - 0.8 ft)
- Spread: 10 - 25 cm (0.3 - 0.8 ft)
- Time to full growth: 2 to 5 years
- Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial, bulb
- Colour: Green, yellow, white
- Goes well with: Shade, woodland or below hedges.
About this genus:
Erythronium (er-ith-ro-ne-um) is a genus of about 20 species that are member of the lily family (Liliaceae). They have quite a few common names such as fawn lily, trout lily, dog's-tooth violet and adder's tongue. The Latin name comes from the Greek word for red, erythros. Erythronium bulbs have had various uses over time- some species are edible and apparently tasty, however other species are slightly toxic and have been used as a contraceptive and emetic. However we use them in the garden!
Well known as woodland type plants they prefer shaded areas and will grow in almost any soil that isn't too wet or too dry. They are also well known for their tongue-shaped leaves; some are mottled with brown or purple trout-like spots, others are dappled with fawn-like white spots and some are plain green. All are beautiful!
Most Erythronium flower in early spring and go summer dormant, so don't worry when they disappear in July. They don't like being moved, so give them at least 3 years in each spot before transplanting! Not sure about companion pants, we grow most of ours in woodland or below hedges!