Trout Lily
erythronium americanum
Also known as: ["Adder's Tongue","Dog-tooth Violet"]
Overview
A small, spring-blooming perennial with mottled leaves and nodding, yellow flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Erythronium |
| Botanical Name: | Erythronium americanum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: woodland garden, shaded rock garden, or container with partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to slightly moist; avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy, well-draining soil with ample organic matter; mimics woodland conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after dormancy ends; remove any damaged or dead leaves as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; only remove dead or yellowing foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 4–6 hours of filtered sunlight or bright indirect light, especially during active growth in spring.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from deep shade; protect from intense afternoon sun; ideal for woodland or shaded garden beds.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun; plant under deciduous trees for dappled light; monitor for leaf scorch in harsh conditions.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water deeply to encourage root growth; adjust frequency based on weather and dormancy.
Soil
moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Use a mix of loam, peat, and perlite; maintain consistent moisture; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures; ideal range 50–70°F (10–21°C); prefers cooler spring conditions and dormancy in summer.
Protect from extreme heat; keep roots cool; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; stop feeding in summer.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or seed propagation; division is faster but reduces plant numbers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide bulbs carefully.
- Replant at the correct depth.
- Water gently.
- Sow seeds thinly and keep moist.
Best Time: Divide bulbs immediately after flowering in late spring; sow seeds in late summer or early fall.
Environment
Cool, shaded environment with high humidity for seeds; normal garden conditions for divided bulbs.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for bulb division; sterile seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Bulbs establish quickly in 1–2 weeks; seeds may take 1–2 years to germinate and establish.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, sharp knife, seed trays, watering can.
Quick Tips
Divide only when necessary; keep seedlings consistently moist; protect young plants from extreme conditions.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip leaves at the base; avoid cutting into the bulb or stem.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead foliage after dormancy to maintain tidiness and prevent disease.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or small pruning shears.
Checklist
Remove dead leaves; clean tools; avoid cutting into the bulb.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after dormancy but before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger if repotting; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only if bulbs become overcrowded or soil quality declines; typically every 3–4 years.
Checklist
Check for overcrowding; use fresh soil; replant at correct depth; water sparingly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure good drainage; reduce watering in dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues; allow water to penetrate the root zone.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water regularly during spring growth, reducing frequency in summer dormancy; avoid waterlogged soil in winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or leaf mold for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure organic matter is well-decomposed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; rot or mold in cold, wet conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage if soil is waterlogged; may exhibit slow growth or dieback in prolonged cold.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil; mulch lightly in winter; protect from frost in exposed locations.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, or premature dormancy; may struggle in hot, dry conditions.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; maintain consistent moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply once in early spring during active growth; avoid fertilizing in dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicThe bulb and roots of Erythronium americanum may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats if ingested. The plant is not considered highly toxic, but ingestion should be prevented.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe bulb and roots of Erythronium americanum can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested. While not highly toxic, it is advisable to prevent dogs from consuming the plant.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe bulb and roots of Erythronium americanum contain toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress and mild systemic effects upon ingestion. The plant is not typically considered highly toxic, but consumption should be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Erythronium americanum spread easily?
A: It spreads slowly by seed and division, forming small colonies over time.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Trout Lily?
A: It thrives in partial shade with moist, well-drained, acidic soil.
Q: Is Trout Lily deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant due to its early spring emergence and low palatability.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
