Dog's tooth violet Erythronium 'Pagoda'
ABOUT
Erythronium 'Pagoda' is a perennial flower known commonly as the dogtooth violet. The plant features a rosette of lance-shaped leaves that are often mottled with attractive shades of maroon or brown. Emerging in spring, these leaves set a dramatic backdrop for the delicate flowers. The flowers themselves are typically a soft yellow, hanging in a downward-facing position. Each bloom is composed of six petal-like segments that reflex back, giving it a distinctive turk's-cap appearance. The stamens are prominently visible, adding an extra touch of elegance to the flower. As the plant matures, the blooms rise above the foliage on slender, arching stems, providing a charming visual impact to shady garden spots or woodland settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Dog's Tooth Violet, Trout Lily, Fawn Lily, Dogtooth Violet
Common names
Erythronium 'Pagoda'
ToxicityTo humans
Dogtooth violet 'Pagoda' is not widely known for its toxicity to humans. While it does not typically pose a significant threat, as with many plants, different parts of the Dogtooth violet could potentially cause mild stomach upset if ingested in quantity. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation in some individuals. It's always advisable to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants due to potential individual sensitivities.
To pets
Dogtooth violet 'Pagoda' is not commonly listed as a toxic plant for pets, such as cats and dogs. However, ingestion of any plant material could potentially result in gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, especially if consumed in large quantities due to the presence of saponins and other compounds that can be irritants. Always monitor your pets around plants and discourage them from chewing on any plants to prevent potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot 4 inches (40 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Introduces Spring Color: Erythronium 'Pagoda', commonly known as Dog's Tooth Violet, blooms early in spring, adding vibrant yellow hues to the garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: Provides nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, which are essential for the health of the ecosystem.
- Shade Tolerant: It thrives in dappled sunlight or partial shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens and shaded areas.
- Naturalizes Easily: Once established, Dog's Tooth Violet spreads naturally to create beautiful drifts without much human intervention.
- Resistant to Pests: The plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Erythronium 'Pagoda' can tolerate periods of dryness once it is established, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Adds Texture: The unique shape and mottled foliage provide textural interest in the garden.
- Complements Other Shade Plants: Its early bloom time and foliage provide an excellent backdrop for other shade-loving perennials such as ferns and hostas.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Erythronium 'Pagoda', commonly known as dogtooth violet, can be used in naturalizing woodland gardens where they can create a carpet of color in the spring.
- The bulbs of dogtooth violet serve as a food source for squirrels and other rodents, although it is not a common practice to promote this.
- Its leaves can be used in art and photography for their attractive mottled pattern, providing a unique background or accent in compositions.
- The flowers of the dogtooth violet can be used in cut flower arrangements, particularly for small, delicate displays given their petite size.
- In garden design, dogtooth violet is effective when planted in drifts among ferns or other shade-loving plants to create texture contrasts.
- During educational nature walks, the plant can be used to illustrate the concept of spring ephemeral plants in temperate climates.
- Dogtooth violet can play a role in citizen science projects that track the effects of climate change on flowering times and plant distributions.
- Photographers may utilize the striking appearance of dogtooth violet in macro photography to showcase the intricate details of its flowers and leaves.
- For practitioners of nature therapy or forest bathing, the presence of flowering dogtooth violet can enrich the sensory experience of participants.
- Local cuisine might occasionally feature the dogtooth violet's bloom in edible flower garnishes, though it's not a commonly widespread practice.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Erythronium 'Pagoda', commonly known as the dogtooth violet, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe dogtooth violet is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: The Erythronium 'Pagoda', commonly known as Dog's Tooth Violet, often blooms in the spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the awakening of nature after winter.
- Beauty and Grace: With its elegant and attractive flowers, the Dog's Tooth Violet represents beauty, poise, and the simple elegance of nature.
- Purity: The delicate and often light-colored flowers of the Dog's Tooth Violet can symbolize purity and innocence.
- Healing: Traditionally, some species of Erythronium were used for medicinal purposes, hence the plant can also be associated with healing and recovery.
WaterThe Pagoda dogtooth violet prefers consistently moist soil, especially in spring during active growth, but you should avoid overwatering which can lead to bulb rot. During the growing season, it is often sufficient to water with about 1 gallon every week, depending on weather conditions, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In the summer when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly and only water if the soil becomes very dry. It is critical to replicate the moist conditions the plant would experience in its natural woodland setting without letting it sit in standing water.
LightPagoda dogtooth violet thrives in dappled sunlight or part shade, mimicking its natural woodland habitat. It is best to avoid direct afternoon sunlight, which can be too intense and cause the foliage to burn. An ideal spot would be under the canopy of deciduous trees where it will receive filtered light or in a shaded garden bed with bright indirect light, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
TemperaturePagoda dogtooth violet is best suited to temperate climates and will flourish in a range of temperatures typically between 50°F and 75°F. Frost will not harm the plant as it is hardy and can survive winter temperatures down to about -20°F. However, protecting the plant from extreme heat is essential, as temperatures consistently above 80°F might stress the plant or inhibit its growth.
PruningPagoda dogtooth violet generally requires little pruning. Remove spent flower stems after flowering to maintain a neat appearance and prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively if desired. Pruning is also an opportunity to remove any yellowing or dead foliage, typically done after the foliage has died back naturally in summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Dog's Tooth Violet is well-draining, humus-rich, and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). A mix of leaf mold, loam, and sand works well for this species.
RepottingDog's Tooth Violet typically does not require frequent repotting. Repot every 3 to 4 years or when the bulb outgrows the pot.
Humidity & MistingDog's Tooth Violet prefers moderate humidity levels but adapts to average room humidity, so there is no need for special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and cool temperatures for Dog's Tooth Violet.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with well-draining, rich soil for Dog's Tooth Violet.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Erythronium 'Pagoda', also known as the Dog's-tooth Violet 'Pagoda', begins with germination from a bulb planted in the autumn, which requires a period of cold dormancy to trigger sprouting. In early spring, the plant produces two mottled basal leaves and a flower stalk that bears a single, yellow, nodding, lily-like flower. After pollination, which is often assisted by bees and other insects attracted to the plant's nectar and pollen, the flower develops into a capsule containing seeds. Once ripened, the seed capsule releases seeds that can be dispersed by various means, including animals and water, to colonize new areas. Throughout the summer, the foliage photosynthesizes to replenish the bulb's energy reserves before dying back and entering a period of dormancy. The cycle recommences the following spring when the bulb awakens from dormancy and regrows its structures.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagating the dogtooth violet, scientifically known as Erythronium 'Pagoda', is by dividing its bulbs. The bulbs should be lifted and divided shortly after the foliage has died back, usually in mid to late summer. Carefully dig up the clump of bulbs, taking care not to damage them. Gently separate the smaller, offset bulbs from the main bulb. These offsets are clones of the parent plant and can be immediately replanted at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 cm). Ensure that they are spaced adequately, at least 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart, to give each plant enough room to grow. The newly planted bulbs will then establish themselves and flower in subsequent spring seasons.
