Erythronium species (also called Fawn Lily, Trout Lily or Dogtoothed Violet) epitomize the hidden wonders of the woodland garden. These spring-blooming perennials can spread to form low-growing colonies of delicate flowers that look beautiful from afar but really demand to be studied up close so as to admire their mottled leaves and intricate floral details. They really are magical!
Erythronium thrive in well-drained, moist soil and partial shade to full shade. Since they quickly go dormant after flowering, they do not need to be watered over the summer!. Once the flowers have finished and the leaves have faded to yellow, you can divide the bulbs and spread them. Many types will naturalize and spread naturally. They are rabbit-resistant and hardy to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Swansons often carries these plants in late winter and early spring but availability can vary.
Below are a few of our favorites, in order of flower height (14” down to 3”).
photo: Per William Hedberg
Erythronium californicum ‘White Beauty’
This species is native to the coastal ranges of central California to southern British Columbia. Dark mottled leaves show off clusters of pure white flowers with pale yellow interiors ringed with red flecks. Foliage grows 6”-8” high and 8”-12” wide. Flowers appear March-April and are 12”-14” high.
photo: Edelweiss Perennials
Erythronium dens-canis ‘Snowflake’
The Graceful white flowers of this distinct selection show a pale chartreuse interior that is ringed with faint red flecks. The foliage is blue-green and mottled with darker spots. Foliage grows 6”-8” high and 8”-12” wide. Flowers appear March-April and are 12”-14” high.
photo: Gardenia
Erythronium ‘Pagoda’
Pagoda offers glossy green leaves with a chocolate splash and clusters of bright yellow, nodding flowers making it a stunning choice in the woodland garden. Foliage grows 6”-12” high and 8”-12” wide. Flowers appear in April and are 12” high.
photo: Gardenia
Erythronium japonicum
This species, native to Japan, Korea, and China, has bright green leaves and lavender-pink flowers with darker centers. The plants form a nice colony over time. Foliage grows 6”-8” high and 8”-12” wide. Flowers appear March-April and are 6”-10” high.
photo: Far Reaches Farm
Erythronium dens-canis ‘Pink Perfection’
Large, bright pink flowers that are 2” across and leaves mottled with purplish-brown make this variety stand out in the garden despite its diminutive size. Foliage grows just 2”-3” high and 8”12” wide. Flowers appear March-April and are 5” high.
photo: Edelweiss Perennials
Erythronium dens-canis ‘Purple King’
Look at those leaves! Purple King has strikingly mottled leaves and large flowers with reflexed petals that resemble cyclamen. A great, easy-to-grow selection. Foliage grows 2”-3” high and 8”-12” wide. Flowers appear March-April and are 3”-5” high.
photo: Gardenia
Erythronium dens-canis ‘Lilac Wonder’
The beautiful lavender-pink flowers of Lilac Wonder have a chartreuse interior surrounded by a white ring. Mottled foliage grows 2”-3” high and 8”-12” wide. Flowers appear March-April and are 3”-5” high.