Dogtooth violet Erythronium 'Jeannine'
ABOUT
Erythronium 'Jeannine' is known by the common name dogtooth violet. It is a captivating perennial that boasts a distinctive appearance. The plant has elegant, lance-shaped leaves that often exhibit an attractive mottling of maroon or brown on a bright green background. These leaves form a low-growing, attractive clump. The flowers of dogtooth violet are particularly striking. Each stem typically supports a single bloom, though occasionally there can be two. These blooms are nodding and have a unique, reflexed shape, lending a delicate and graceful look. The petals and sepals curl back from the center of the flower, revealing the reproductive parts. The color of the blooms is a vibrant yellow, which stands out beautifully against the foliage. Adding to its charm, the pollen-bearing parts in the center of the flower provide a contrast in color, often being a different shade, sometimes with a hint of orange or brown, which can attract various pollinators. Overall, Erythronium 'Jeannine' presents a lovely display in spring with its contrast of petal color against the mottled foliage.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Dog's-tooth Violet, Trout Lily, Dogtooth Violet, Adder's Tongue
Common names
Erythronium 'Jeannine'.
ToxicityTo humans
Erythronium 'Jeannine', commonly known as dog's tooth violet, is not typically listed as a poisonous plant to humans. However, as with many plants, individuals may have varying sensitivities, and it's possible that some people might experience adverse reactions if they ingest parts of the plant. It is always advisable to avoid eating plants that are not specifically grown or designated for consumption, to prevent any potential gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, it's important to seek medical attention.
To pets
Dog's tooth violet is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. However, as with human consumption, individual animals might have sensitivities or allergic reactions to this plant. Symptoms of ingestion in pets that are sensitive could include vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. If you notice any unusual symptoms after your pet has ingested this plant, you should consult a veterinarian. It is generally a good practice to keep pets from consuming any part of plants not meant for their consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Spring Bloom: Erythronium 'Jeannine', commonly known as Trout Lily, produces attractive yellow flowers in early to mid-spring.
- Shade Tolerant: This plant can thrive in part to full shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens or shaded areas.
- Naturalizing: Trout Lily spreads over time, forming natural colonies and enhancing the beauty of the landscape.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-effort plants.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: It is resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, preserving its beauty in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Trout Lily can withstand periods of dryness once established, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Erythronium 'Jeannine', commonly known as yellow trout lily, can be used as a subject in photography due to its striking yellow flowers and unique foliage patterns.
- The dried petals of yellow trout lily can be used in craft projects, such as creating floral displays or for embellishing homemade greeting cards.
- The plant can act as a natural dye, where the yellow flowers might be used to produce a soft yellow dye for fabrics or yarns.
- Yellow trout lily leaves can be used in the art of leaf casting to create concrete garden ornaments that capture the intricate vein patterns.
- The yellow trout lily can serve as a decorative motif in textile design, inspiring patterns for fabrics like linen and cotton.
- Pressed flowers of the yellow trout lily can be used to personalize bookmarks, serving as an attractive addition to any book collection.
- The plant may find its use in culinary presentation, where its blooms can be used as edible garnish on salads and desserts, provided it is verified edible and free of pesticides.
- In landscape design, yellow trout lily can be used to create a 'color echo' by planting it alongside other plants with matching yellow flowers or foliage.
- The plant can also play a role in education, offering a live study subject for botanical illustration classes due to its unique shape and color.
- Yellow trout lily bulbs can be used as an exchange item in plant swaps among gardening enthusiasts looking for rare or unusual garden plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dog's Tooth Violet is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dog's Tooth Violet is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: Erythronium 'Jeannine', also known as the Dogtooth Violet, is often associated with beauty due to its elegant and striking yellow flowers that embellish the landscape during spring.
- Purity: The pristine appearance of its blossoms conveys a sense of purity and innocence, which can symbolize a fresh start or new beginnings.
- Resilience: As a plant that emerges from a bulb after the winter, it represents resilience and the ability to overcome challenges and adversity.
- Healing: Throughout history, some species of Erythronium have been used for their medicinal properties, giving them a symbolic connection to healing and soothe.
WaterDog-tooth violet typically requires consistent moisture during the spring growth period, especially as the plant is emerging and flowering. Water this plant thoroughly once or twice a week to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Depending on the weather conditions, it might require approximately 1 gallon of water per week for each plant. After flowering, as the leaves yellow and the plant goes dormant, reduce watering significantly to prevent bulb rot.
LightDog-tooth violet thrives best in dappled sunlight or partial shade. It's ideal to position it under a canopy of deciduous trees where it can be exposed to sunlight filtering through the branches. Avoid planting in full sun as this can scorch the leaves and reduce flowering.
TemperatureDog-tooth violet favors temperate climates and is hardy in areas where the temperatures range from a minimum of around -20°F to a maximum of 95°F. The ideal temperature for growth is between 50°F and 70°F. It is important to protect it from extreme cold and ensure proper mulching if temperatures drop significantly below freezing.
PruningPruning is not typically necessary for dog-tooth violet as the plant is self-maintaining and goes dormant after flowering. However, you can remove spent flowers to tidy up the appearance. It's best to let the foliage die back naturally without cutting it, as this process allows nutrients to return to the bulb for the next season's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Dog's Tooth Violet (Erythronium 'Jeannine') is well-draining, humus-rich, and slightly acidic, with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of loam, leaf mold, and sharp sand or perlite is ideal to provide the necessary drainage and nutrient content.
RepottingDog's Tooth Violets typically do not need to be repotted often as they are bulbous plants. However, they may benefit from being divided and replanted if they become overcrowded every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDog's Tooth Violets thrive in average humidity conditions; they don't require high humidity environments, making typical room humidity suitable for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Dog's Tooth Violet in bright, indirect light, cool room.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist, well-drained soil; mulch in winter.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleDog's-tooth violet 'Jeannine', a cultivar of Erythronium, starts its life cycle in spring when it emerges from a bulb and produces its distinctive lance-shaped leaves and flower stalks. The flowers, often a bright yellow color, bloom between early to mid-spring, drawing in pollinators such as bees. After pollination, the plant produces seeds, which can be dispersed to give rise to new bulbs in surrounding soil. Throughout the summer, the above-ground parts of the plant die back as it enters a period of dormancy. The bulb lies dormant underground throughout the winter, storing energy for the next growing season. With the return of favorable conditions in the following spring, the cycle begins anew with the emergence of new growth from the bulb.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The Erythronium 'Jeannine', commonly known as the dogtooth violet, can be propagated by dividing its bulbs. The ideal time for this method is in the summer after the foliage has died back, or in the fall. Division involves carefully digging up the clump of bulbs and gently separating them into individual bulbs. Each bulb should have a portion of the base plate to ensure that it can produce a new plant. The bulbs can then be replanted immediately at a depth of about 3 inches (7.5 cm) and spaced approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart in well-drained soil with partial shade.
