Trout Lily Erythronium 'Harvington Snowgoose'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Harvington Snowgoose' has a beautiful and distinctive appearance. The foliage consists of broad, lance-shaped leaves that are often mottled with a unique pattern of maroon or brown spots, giving them a visually intriguing texture. In spring, the plant produces striking flowers held on singular, upright stems. The blooms are white, often with a subtle hint of yellow and green at the base of each petal, which gracefully recurve backward, similar to a sweeping turk's cap. The petals' inner surfaces may exhibit a delicate brush of pale pink. These flowers are complemented by long, slender stamens that extend outwards, adding to the plant's elegant display. The overall look of the 'Harvington Snowgoose' is one of refinement and charm, which makes it a prized specimen for gardeners seeking to add a touch of sophisticated natural beauty to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Harvington Snowgoose Fawn Lily, Harvington Snowgoose Dog's-tooth Violet
Common names
Erythronium 'Harvington Snowgoose'
ToxicityTo humans
Erythronium 'Harvington Snowgoose', also known as Dog's tooth violet, is not typically classified as a poisonous plant to humans. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not clearly established as edible, as individual sensitivity can vary, and there might be a potential for an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.
To pets
Dog's tooth violet is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. Nevertheless, pets may have different sensitivities, and consumption of non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea. As with humans, it is best practice to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not explicitly meant for consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Erythronium 'Harvington Snowgoose' provides nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects, helping to support local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, this plant requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners seeking low-maintenance options.
- Spring Interest: With its early flowering period, it adds beauty and color to gardens in the spring when many other plants have yet to bloom.
- Naturalizing: It can spread over time to create natural drifts in woodland or shaded garden settings, offering a charming, natural look.
- Drought-Tolerant: After settling in and becoming established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, which is an advantage in water-conserving landscapes.
- Provides Ground Cover: Its foliage helps to cover bare earth, suppressing weeds and minimizing soil erosion.
- Decorative Foliage: The mottled leaves of the Erythronium 'Harvington Snowgoose' add textural and visual interest to the garden even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Wildlife Habitat: Offers shelter and food sources for wildlife, contributing to biodiversity in the garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Enhances the beauty of a garden with its delicate white flowers and attractive foliage, offering a striking display in spring.
- Companion Planting: Works well when planted alongside other shade-loving plants, playing a role in well-thought-out garden designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Erythronium 'Harvington Snowgoose', commonly known as dogtooth violet, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving a soft yellow to greenish hue depending on the mordant used.
- Its petals are sometimes crystallized and used as edible decorations for desserts, adding a unique floral touch to cakes and pastries.
- Given its attractive foliage and flowers, dogtooth violet is also used in botanical art and photography as a subject to capture the beauty of spring ephemerals.
- Dried and pressed, the leaves and flowers of the dogtooth violet can be used in crafting, such as in homemade paper making or in botanical collages for artistic display.
- Dogtooth violet bulbs can serve as a food source for wildlife such as squirrels and chipmunks, highlighting its role in the local ecosystem.
- The blossoms can be used to create a natural spring-themed table centerpiece for events like weddings or garden parties.
- In some educational settings, the plant may be used as a teaching tool for botany students to study early spring floral development and bulb growth.
- Dogtooth violet's presence in the garden can be a natural indicator species for the health of the woodland soil where it is planted.
- The plant can be used as a seasonal marker for garden enthusiasts, noting the progression of early to mid-spring through its blooming stages.
- Its seeds, once mature, can be used as a component in creating wildflower seed mixes to cultivate a diverse native plant garden.
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 pristine white blooms of Erythronium 'Harvington Snowgoose', commonly known as the dog's-tooth violet, symbolize purity and innocence.
- Rebirth: As a spring-blooming flower, the dog's-tooth violet represents renewal, new beginnings, and the vitality of life returning after winter.
- Protection: It is sometimes carried or planted as a talisman against evil spirits, reflecting a protective element in folklore.
- Tranquility: The soothing appearance of the flower is thought to represent peace of mind and tranquility.
- Resilience: Despite its delicate look, the dog's-tooth violet is a hardy plant that can symbolize the human capacity to thrive in adverse conditions.
WaterThe Harvington Snowgoose, more commonly known as the dog-tooth violet, should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its natural woodland environment. It prefers soil that is moist but well-draining. Typically, watering once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant should suffice, depending on climate conditions. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you might need to increase watering frequency. Be cautious not to overwater, as this can lead to bulb rot. Decrease watering after the foliage has died back post-flowering, as the plant goes dormant.
LightDog-tooth violets thrive in dappled sunlight, mimicking the light conditions of their natural woodland habitat. They do best with morning sun and afternoon shade, or a spot that receives filtered light throughout the day. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch, while too little can lead to poor flowering. An ideal location would be under the canopy of deciduous trees which allows sunlight through before the trees fully leaf out.
TemperatureDog-tooth violets are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperature conditions. They can survive winter temperatures as low as -20°F and are suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. They prefer milder summer temperatures, ideally below 75°F but can tolerate spikes in heat if shaded and watered appropriately. Ensuring proper mulching can help protect the bulbs from extreme temperatures.
PruningPruning is generally not required for dog-tooth violets as they die back naturally after flowering. However, removing spent flower stems can tidy up the plant's appearance. It's best to prune after flowering has finished in late spring or early summer. Allow the foliage to die back on its own, as it helps to feed the bulb for the next season. No other significant pruning is needed for these perennials.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Dogtooth Violet is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mix of loam, peat, and sharp sand in equal parts is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingDogtooth Violet typically does not require frequent repotting. Repot it every 2-3 years or when the bulbs outgrow their container to ensure continued health and blooming.
Humidity & MistingDogtooth Violet prefers moderate to high humidity levels; however, it is not as humidity-sensitive as some other plants. Aim for a humidity range of 40-70% for best growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; keep soil moist, not soggy.
Outdoor
Grow in partial shade; ensure soil is moist, rich.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Dog's Tooth Violet 'Harvington Snowgoose' begins its life cycle when the bulb, typically dormant during the summer, starts to germinate in autumn. With the arrival of cooler weather and adequate moisture, roots develop and a shoot emerges, eventually producing distinctive mottled green and brown leaves. During spring, the plant produces its elegant white flowers with a yellow center, which are pollinated by insects, leading to the formation of seed capsules. Once the flowering is complete, the plant goes through a period of photosynthesis and nutrient accumulation in the bulb for the next cycle. By early summer, above-ground foliage dies back, and the Dog's Tooth Violet 'Harvington Snowgoose' enters a dormant phase until the conditions are suitable for the next growth cycle. The plant can also propagate through division of the bulbs, expanding its presence in the garden without the need for seed production.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for Erythronium 'Harvington Snowgoose', commonly known as the dog's tooth violet, is by dividing its bulbs. This process is ideally carried out in late summer after the foliage has died down. Gardeners can carefully lift the clumps of bulbs and gently pull them apart, ensuring that each new bulb section has a shoot. These individual bulbs can then be replanted immediately at about twice their own depth, with spacing approximately 5 inches (approximately 13 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. It’s important to choose a location with well-drained soil and partial shade, mimicking the woodland conditions the dog's tooth violet prefers.
