Dog's-tooth Violet Erythronium 'Eirene'
ABOUT
The appearance of the Erythronium 'Eirene', commonly known as the dog's-tooth violet, is quite charming due to its distinctive flowering characteristics and foliar patterns. The plant features elegant, nodding flowers that have a unique shape, often resembling a Turk's cap lily with recurved petals. These petals are typically creamy-white to pale pink in color, which brings a soft and delicate look to the plant. Below the flowers, the foliage of the dog's-tooth violet forms a lush undergrowth with leaves that have a distinctive mottled pattern. The green leaves are often marked with a marbled blend of darker shades, sometimes appearing in striking contrast as purplish-brown blotches. This mottling effect adds visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom. The plant has a slender stem which supports the flower, with the foliage growing close to the ground. Collectively, these features create an attractive and dainty display in the spring when the dog's-tooth violet is in bloom, adding a splash of color and texture to woodland gardens, shaded borders, or naturalized areas. The pleasing appearance of Erythronium 'Eirene' makes it a beloved choice among garden enthusiasts who are looking for a touch of elegance in semi-shaded areas of their gardens.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Dog's Tooth Violet, Trout Lily, Adder's Tongue.
Common names
Erythronium 'Eirene'
ToxicityTo humans
The Erythronium 'Eirene', commonly known as dog's tooth violet, is not typically regarded as a poisonous plant to humans. There is no widespread documentation of toxic effects from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and it's generally advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants due to potential individual reactions or unknown toxicity.
To pets
The Erythronium 'Eirene', commonly known as dog's tooth violet, is not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among the common plants that are known to be poisonous to dogs or cats. However, ingestion of any non-food plant can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset in pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to irritation or sensitivity. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant and is showing symptoms, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 feet 6 inches (45 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Erythronium 'Eirene', commonly known as Dog's-tooth Violet, adds visual interest to gardens with its delicate flowers and attractive foliage.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, the Dog's-tooth Violet requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- Naturalizing: This plant can spread over time, creating a naturalized woodland look in appropriate garden areas.
- Spring Interest: Flowering in early spring, Dog's-tooth Violet provides welcome color after the winter months.
- Shade Tolerance: Being tolerant of shade, the Dog's-tooth Violet is useful for planting in shadowy parts of the garden, where other plants might not thrive.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract various pollinators, which can help increase the biodiversity of your garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Erythronium 'Eirene', commonly known as dogtooth violet, can be used as a natural dye, where the leaves and flowers might provide varying shades of green and yellow.
- The bulbs of the dogtooth violet can serve as a food source for wildlife such as squirrels and chipmunks, especially when other food sources are scarce.
- Photographers and artists often use dogtooth violets as a subject in their work due to their unique and delicate appearance, especially in springtime settings.
- These plants can be a teaching tool for botany students, illustrating bulb growth and development as well as plant reproductive processes.
- Landscapers may use dogtooth violets for naturalizing effects in woodland gardens, taking advantage of their ability to spread and create a carpet of flowers.
- In cultural ceremonies and events, especially those celebrating spring, dogtooth violets can be used for decoration due to their bright and cheerful appearance.
- Educational gardens or botanical gardens may feature Erythronium 'Eirene' as a part of native plant collections or displays focusing on bulbous plants.
- The plant can be a food source for specific butterfly larvae, playing a role in local ecological butterfly breeding programs or butterfly gardens.
- Avid gardeners may cultivate dogtooth violets for the purpose of plant breeding, aiming to create new varieties with different colors or patterns.
- Erythronium 'Eirene' might be used in floristry for specialty arrangements that require an ephemeral and wildcrafted aesthetic, though their short vase life can be a limitation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dogtooth Violet is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dogtooth Violet is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The Erythronium, commonly known as dogtooth violet, often symbolizes purity due to its delicate and unblemished flowers.
- Tranquility: The name 'Eirene' is derived from the Greek goddess of peace, Irene, hinting at a symbolism of tranquility and serenity associated with the plant.
- Beauty: With its elegant shape and beautiful colors, the dogtooth violet represents beauty and grace in the natural world.
- New Beginnings: Blooming in early spring, the Erythronium 'Eirene' can symbolize new beginnings and the start of a cycle.
- Resilience: As a plant that emerges from a bulb deep underground, the dogtooth violet can also symbolize resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
WaterTrout lilies, including Erythronium 'Eirene', prefer consistently moist soil, especially during the spring growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water per square yard of soil. During the active growth period in spring, check the soil moisture regularly and adjust watering if rainfall occurs to maintain moist soil. Reduce watering frequency as the foliage begins to die back after flowering, since these plants go dormant in the summer. It is crucial not to overwater during dormancy as this can lead to bulb rot.
LightTrout lilies like Erythronium 'Eirene' thrive best in dappled sunlight, similar to their native woodland habitat. They should be planted in a location that mimics the light filtering through the trees. Full morning sun with afternoon shade or light filtered through a deciduous canopy is ideal. They should be sheltered from the intense heat of the midday sun.
TemperatureTrout lilies, such as Erythronium 'Eirene', are hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 75°F. They enjoy cooler climates and are best suited to temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F which aligns with the typical spring weather in their native environment. These plants enter dormancy when summer temperatures rise, so they are adapted to a wide temperature range throughout the year.
PruningTrout lilies such as Erythronium 'Eirene' do not typically require pruning. However, after flowering, it's beneficial to remove spent flowers to prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production. Cut back the foliage only after it has turned yellow and died back naturally, usually several weeks after blooming. This usually takes place in late spring or early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDog's-tooth violet (Erythronium 'Eirene') thrives in a soil mix composed of well-draining, humus-rich medium with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A blend of equal parts loam, leaf mold, and coarse sand or perlite creates an ideal environment.
RepottingDog's-tooth violet typically doesn’t require frequent repotting. It is best to repot these plants every 3-4 years or when the bulbs have multiplied and seem crowded in their current container.
Humidity & MistingDog's-tooth violet prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable. Ideally, maintaining a humidity level of around 40-60% will support healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light with moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Partial shade, in well-draining, humus-rich soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Erythronium 'Eirene', commonly known as Pagoda Dogtooth Violet or Trout Lily, begins its life as a bulb, which lies dormant underground during the winter months. In early spring, the bulb sends up a sprout that develops into one or more basal leaves, typically mottled with a unique pattern, signalling the vegetative stage. As the plant matures, a flower stalk emerges, topped with a distinctive nodding flower, usually in shades of pink or purple, marking the reproductive stage. After pollination, possibly by bees or other insects attracted to the flower's nectar, the plant forms a seed capsule. Once the seeds mature, they are dispersed by various means, such as by water or animals, giving rise to new plants and completing the cycle. The foliage dies back after the seeds are shed, and the plant re-enters dormancy until the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer-early autumn
Propogation: Erythronium 'Eirene', commonly known as the dog's tooth violet or trout lily, is propagated primarily through division. The best time to propagate this plant is in the late summer to early fall when the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate them, making sure each division has at least one growth point. After dividing, replant the bulbs at the same depth they were originally growing, which is typically about 3 inches (approximately 7.6 centimeters) deep, and spaced approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow. Water the newly planted bulbs well to help establish them. This method allows for preserving the genetic traits of 'Eirene' and will lead to flowering in subsequent seasons as the bulbs mature and naturalize in their location.
