Erythronium
This picturesque group comes mainly from North American woodlands, although the one European native, E. dens-cans, is the Euonymus species best known. Its common name, dog-tooth violet, has nothing to do with the appearance of the flower, but is based on the resemblance of the corm to a dog’s tooth. The delicate flower is purple or rose colored, rising from mottled leaves on a 6-inch stem. It is hardy to Zone 3.
A number of species, many of them with mottled foliage, are American natives. They are known by several descriptive names, most commonly fawn lily, trout lily, adder’s-tongue, and Easter bells. E grandifiorum (hardy to Zone 6) has plain green foliage and 24-inch stems with yellow blossoms. E. citrinum also bears yellow flowers, but the stems are only 8 inches tall.
The other species grow to a height of about 12 inches with flower colors as follows: E albidum (hardy to Zone 5), white to light blue; E americanum (hardy to Zone 4), yellow tinged with pink; E. californicum, creamy white or yellow; E. hendersonii, purple; E. oregonum, creamy white; E. revolutum, creamy to purple; and E. tuolumnense, yellow with a greenish base. All bloom in the spring, and many have a delicate fragrance. The latter five are all hardy to Zone 6.
Plant in medium to light shade in warm areas, or in medium sun where summers are cooler. Plant in the fall in moist, well-drained soil. Erythronium will need moisture all summer long even though dormant, and it does not like extreme heat. Fall mulching offers sufficient protection in cold regions. It is especially attractive in a woodland setting.
