Dog's Tooth Violet
erythronium dens-canis
Also known as: ["Adder's Tongue","Fawn Lily"]
Overview
A perennial bulbous plant with nodding, lily-like flowers and mottled leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Erythronium |
| Botanical Name: | Erythronium dens-canis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: woodland garden or shaded rock garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or dormancy.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours/day; tolerate partial shade; adjust for seasonal light intensity.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun; place in dappled shade outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Rotate plant for even light; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a bulb-specific mix; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F/10–21°C); prefer cooler conditions during dormancy.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; maintain consistent cool conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and early summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing in late summer; use a low-nitrogen formula.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or seed propagation.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide offsets from parent bulb.
- Replant at the same depth.
- Water lightly.
- Protect from extreme temperatures.
Best Time: Divide bulbs in late summer/early fall; sow seeds in autumn for spring germination.
Environment
Cool, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining bulb mix or sandy loam with perlite.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Bulbs establish in 1–2 seasons; seeds may take 1–2 years to germinate and establish.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, bulb separator, small trowel, rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Replant bulbs at their original depth; keep seedlings moist but not waterlogged; protect young plants from frost.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flowers; cut back dead foliage; avoid cutting into healthy leaves.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flowers to encourage bulb development; trim yellowed foliage after dormancy.
Tools
Clean scissors or small pruning shears.
Checklist
Remove dead or yellowing leaves; cut spent flower stems; clean tools before use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall during dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure depth matches original planting.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded; best when dormant.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; check for bulb health; replant at correct depth; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the day; avoid wetting foliage; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base, targeting the root zone; ensure even moisture without saturating; allow excess to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth (spring); reduce in summer dormancy; keep soil slightly moist in fall/winter.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature dormancy.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows or halts; bulbs may rot if soil is too wet.
Solution: Insulate pots with bubble wrap; move to a sheltered location; ensure well-draining soil.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; bulbs may desiccate if soil dries out too quickly.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid dormant period; water before fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring); avoid fertilizing in dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicThe bulb of Erythronium dens-canis may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats if ingested. While not severely toxic, ingestion should be discouraged.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe bulb of Erythronium dens-canis can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested. No severe toxic effects are typically observed, but ingestion should be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicErythronium dens-canis is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The bulb may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested in large quantities, but no severe toxic effects have been documented.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Erythronium dens-canis toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does this plant require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade and can tolerate shade.
Q: How often should I water Erythronium dens-canis?
A: Water moderately during active growth, but allow the soil to dry out in dormancy.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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