Dog's tooth violet Erythronium 'Joanna'
ABOUT
Erythronium 'Joanna', commonly known as the Dogtooth Violet or Trout Lily, is a distinctive perennial plant prized for its striking appearance. Its foliage is characterized by two glossy, mottled leaves that spread out gracefully from the base, displaying a captivating pattern that often resembles the marbling of a trout - hence one of its common names. The leaves have a rich green color with contrasting shades that can range from darker green to brown and even purplish tones. The beauty of the Dogtooth Violet continues with its enchanting flowers. Each plant typically produces a single flower on a slender, upright stem, elevating the blossom above the mottled foliage below. These flowers have a unique shape, with six recurved petals that sweep back dramatically from the center, creating a delicate, lantern-like silhouette. The petals themselves are a striking color, often varying from creamy white to soft pink, with a gentle gradation of hue that adds depth and allure to the bloom. At the center of the flower, there is often a contrasting flush of yellow, comprising of the stamens and stigma, which adds to the visual interest of the plant. Overall, the Dogtooth Violet presents a charming and whimsical presence in the garden with its speckled leaves and elegant, nodding flowers that seem to dance above the foliage in the lightest breeze. Its aesthetic contributes a touch of woodland magic and springtime delight wherever it grows.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Dog's Tooth Violet, Trout Lily, Fawn Lily, Adder's Tongue
Common names
Erythronium 'Joanna'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as dog's tooth violet is not typically considered toxic to humans. Ingestion of any part of this plant is unlikely to cause severe symptoms. However, as with many plants, individual reactions can vary, and it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants due to potential sensitivity or allergic reactions.
To pets
For pets, the dog's tooth violet is not well-documented as being toxic. However, as with humans, it's generally recommended to prevent pets from consuming plants that are not intended for their diet since they can cause gastrointestinal upset or other mild reactions in some animals. If a pet ingests a significant amount of the plant and displays symptoms of distress, it is wise to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Mottled
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 feet (0.3 meters)
Spread
1 feet (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits```html
- Ornamental value: Erythronium 'Joanna', commonly known as the Dog's Tooth Violet, has attractive foliage and beautiful pink flowers that serve as an ornamental highlight in spring gardens.
- Naturalizing: It can naturally spread over time in favorable conditions, filling in spaces and creating a carpet of color.
- Pollinator attraction: The blossoms of the Dog's Tooth Violet provide nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Shade tolerance: Erythronium 'Joanna' thrives in dappled shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens or shaded borders.
- Low maintenance: Once established, Dog's Tooth Violets require minimal care, making them a convenient choice for gardeners seeking beauty without extensive effort.
- Seasonal interest: With its early spring blooms, it provides visual interest during a time when many other plants have not yet started to flower.
- Wildlife friendly: The plant can offer shelter and food to various small wildlife, helping to support biodiversity.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden photography subject: Erythronium 'Joanna', also known as Dogtooth Violet, with its distinctive blooms, can be a captivating subject for garden photographers, especially in the spring.
- Education: This plant can be used in educational settings such as botanical gardens or nature programs to illustrate plant development from bulb to flower.
- Artistic inspiration: The unique shape and colors of the Dogtooth Violet can serve as a muse for artists, inspiring paintings, illustrations, and textile designs.
- Culinary presentation: While not consumed, the flowers can be a delicate addition to the presentation of gourmet dishes at high-end restaurants.
- Thematic gardening: Dogtooth Violet can be included in a woodland-themed garden to provide authenticity to the aesthetic.
- Wedding decor: The subtle flowers of the Erythronium 'Joanna' can be used for creating natural and elegant wedding venue decorations.
- Fauna attractor: When in bloom, the Dogtooth Violet can attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to a garden.
- Color theming: The Erythronium 'Joanna' can be used in gardens that adhere to a specific color theme, particularly pink and lavender tones.
- Seasonal gardening: Gardens specializing in spring blooms can feature Erythronium 'Joanna' to highlight the seasonal change.
- Feng shui: Some practitioners of Feng Shui might use the plant's vibrant bloom to harmonize and add specific energies to a garden space.
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- Purity: Erythronium, also known as Dog's Tooth Violet, often symbolizes purity due to its delicate and unblemished petals that emit a sense of innocence and cleanliness.
- Youth: The fresh, vibrant blooms of the Dog's Tooth Violet are reminiscent of youth and the renewal of life in the spring when these flowers typically bloom.
- Tranquility: The soft hues and graceful appearance of the Erythronium 'Joanna' can evoke feelings of peace and serenity, making it a symbol of tranquility.
- Rebirth: Blooming in the early spring, the Dog's Tooth Violet is often associated with rebirth and the end of winter, symbolizing new beginnings and rejuvenation.
- Healing: The Erythronium has been used in traditional medicine, and because of this, it may be seen as a symbol of healing and the soothing of ailments.
WaterThe dog's tooth violet should be watered regularly to keep the soil around it consistently moist, especially during the growing season. Typically, during the spring growth, they should be watered once a week with about one gallon of water per plant. However, make sure not to waterlog the soil, as this can lead to bulb rot. After the plant has flowered and the leaves start to die back, reduce watering as the bulb enters dormancy. Always adjust watering frequency based on weather conditions – less during periods of rain and more during dry spells.
LightDog's tooth violets prefer dappled shade, simulating the natural woodland habitats where they thrive. Therefore, the best spot for this plant would be in a location that receives morning sunlight but is shielded from the direct afternoon sun. These conditions help replicate the light filtering through the trees, offering an ideal growing situation for the plant.
TemperatureDog's tooth violets grow best in cool to moderate temperatures, thriving in a range of 35 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate winter temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for cooler climates. The ideal temperature range for these plants during growing season is between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning is typically not required for dog's tooth violets because they are not woody plants and do not develop dead or excess growth that needs to be trimmed. However, after flowering, you can remove spent flower stems to maintain a tidy appearance. Also, once the foliage starts to yellow and wither at the end of the growing season, it can be cleared away.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDog's Tooth Violet 'Joanna' thrives in a well-draining, humus-rich soil mix with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. To create the best soil mix, combine equal parts of loamy garden soil, fine pine bark, and peat or leaf mold. This composition ensures good moisture retention while allowing excess water to drain away, which is crucial for avoiding bulb rot. Adding a slow-release fertilizer to the mix can be beneficial for nutrient supply.
RepottingDog's Tooth Violet 'Joanna' does not need frequent repotting and should be repotted every 3-5 years. The best time to repot is in the late summer after the leaves have died back, as the bulbs are dormant at this time. Care should be taken to maintain the bulb at the appropriate depth in the soil, which is typically about three times the height of the bulb.
Humidity & MistingDog's Tooth Violet 'Joanna' prefers moderate humidity and will do well with the natural humidity found in most temperate outdoor environments. It does not require the high humidity levels that some tropical plants do, making it an easy care plant in terms of humidity requirements when grown outdoors in its natural climate range.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Dog's Tooth Violet 'Joanna' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Dog's Tooth Violet 'Joanna' in dappled shade outside.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleErythronium 'Joanna', commonly known as Dog's Tooth Violet, begins its life cycle as a bulb lying dormant underground. In early spring, the bulb sends up a shoot above ground which develops into one or two basal leaves, often mottled with different shades. Shortly after the leaves have fully expanded, a flower stalk arises bearing delicate, nodding flowers, usually pale pink or white with a yellow center. Following pollination, typically by bees, the flowers will produce capsule-like fruits containing seeds. The plant goes into senescence after fruiting, with the foliage withering away, and the bulb enters a period of dormancy through the summer and fall. In the following spring, the cycle starts anew, with the bulb potentially dividing and creating offsets leading to new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Erythronium 'Joanna', commonly known as dog's tooth violet or trout lily, is typically propagated through division of its bulbs. The best time to divide and propagate this plant is in late summer to early autumn, after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. The bulbs should be carefully dug up and gently separated, ensuring that each division has at least one growth point. These divisions can then be replanted immediately at a depth of about 3 inches (approximately 7.6 centimeters) with spacing of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart to allow for sufficient room for growth. It's important to plant them in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter in a location that receives dappled sunlight or part shade to mimic their natural woodland habitat.
