Dog's-tooth Violet Erythronium 'Wildside Seedling'
ABOUT
Erythronium 'Wildside Seedling', commonly known as the dogtooth violet, exhibits a graceful and delicate appearance with its unique flowering and foliage characteristics. The plant is noted for its beautiful nodding flowers which possess a charming color palette ranging from soft pinks to creams, often with a subtle brush of yellow or lilac hues. These blossoms have distinctive recurved petals that elegantly arch back, looking somewhat like a turk's cap. Adding to the ornamental appeal, the interior of the petals may be adorned with attractive mottled markings or spots. The foliage of the dogtooth violet is equally striking, comprising of two basal leaves per stem that emerge in a symmetrical fashion. These leaves are typically glossy and have an elongated oval or lanceolate shape with pointed tips. What's particularly noticeable is the marbled pattern on the leaves, blending various shades of green with intricate overlays of purplish-bronze, giving the impression of a delicate tracery. The leaves' mottled appearance not only complements the flowers but also provides aesthetic interest even when the plant is not in bloom. Together, the combination of its elegant flowers and attractively patterned foliage make the dogtooth violet a delightful addition to woodland gardens or shaded borders where it can create subtle yet impactful displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Dog's Tooth Violet, Trout Lily, Fawn Lily, Adder's Tongue
Common names
Erythronium 'Wildside Seedling'.
ToxicityTo humans
Dogtooth violet is not widely recognized as a plant with significant toxicity to humans. However, as with many plants, sensitivity varies from person to person, and ingesting any plant can potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Dogtooth violet is not commonly listed as toxic to pets. However, as with humans, individual animals may have sensitivities or allergic reactions to plants, and ingesting non-food plants can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. It's generally advisable to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds delicate beauty to gardens with its nodding, lantern-like flowers and mottled foliage.
- Spring Interest: Blooms in early spring, providing color and interest after winter.
- Naturalizing: Spreads over time to create natural-looking drifts in woodland settings or shaded areas.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, ideal for gardeners seeking a low-effort plant.
- Drought Tolerance: Exhibits some drought resistance when mature, making it suitable for drier climates.
- Cold Hardy: Tolerates cold temperatures, making it suitable for cooler climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Erythronium 'Wildside Seedling', commonly known as dogtooth violet, can be used as a natural dye, with the bulbs offering a range of colors to textiles depending on the mordant used.
- The plant's leaves can be used in the art of pressed flower crafts, preserving the unique shape and pattern of the foliage for decorative purposes.
- Dogtooth violet can be incorporated into photography projects, serving as an attractive and seasonal subject for macro and nature photographers.
- The blooms can be used as a natural source of nectar for a garden designed to attract and sustain pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Gardeners can utilize the plant to create woodland-themed floral arrangements, tapping into the plant's rustic charm for events or home decor.
- With its distinctive leaves and flowers, dogtooth violet can inspire botanical illustrations and be a focus for botanical art classes or workshops.
- The flowering bulbs can be studied for their adaptation and survival mechanisms in education, particularly in botany and ecology courses.
- When planting, dogtooth violet can be used as a marker for spring in a phenological garden, helping to track the changing seasons and climate trends.
- Culinary enthusiasts can use the flowers as an edible garnish for salads and desserts, though it should be noted that they should only be consumed in moderation due to their mild toxic properties.
- Similarly, the aesthetic appeal of dogtooth violet can enhance the plating and presentation of sophisticated dishes in culinary arts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Erythronium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Erythronium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The delicate and unblemished appearance of the Erythronium, commonly known as 'Dog's-tooth Violet', is often associated with the concept of purity and innocence in folklore.
- Tranquility: With its calming pale to deep violet hues, Dog's-tooth Violet is connected to the notion of peace and tranquility, reflecting its serene presence in woodland settings.
- Rebirth: Blooming in spring, the Dog's-tooth Violet symbolizes rebirth and renewal, as it is amongst the first flowers to emerge after the winter.
- Healing: Historically, Erythronium species have been used for their medicinal properties, leading to a symbolic association with healing and the soothing of ailments.
- Resilience: Known for their ability to thrive in wild forest settings, these plants exemplify resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
WaterThe dog's tooth violet requires regular watering to maintain slightly moist soil, especially during its active growth in spring. Provide about half a gallon per week for a medium-sized plant, adjusting for rainfall and soil type. It's important not to overwater, as this can lead to bulb rot. During the dormant period in late summer to autumn, reduce watering significantly to allow the soil to dry out somewhat. If the plant is in a pot, ensure excess water can drain away to prevent waterlogging.
LightDog's tooth violets thrive best in dappled sunlight, mimicking their natural woodland habitat. Plant them in a spot that receives morning light and is shaded from the harsh midday sun. They can tolerate full shade but may not flower as profusely. Avoid exposing them to prolonged periods of direct, strong sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.
TemperatureDog's tooth violets are most comfortable in temperate conditions, ideally between 60°F and 70°F. They can survive temperatures down to about 20°F during their dormant period in winter and tolerate summer highs up to 75°F. Sudden temperature fluctuations and extreme heat should be avoided to prevent stress to the plant.
PruningPruning dog's tooth violets is usually not necessary, but faded flowers can be deadheaded to maintain a tidy appearance and potentially encourage more blooms. The best time to prune is after flowering, in late spring to early summer. Refrain from cutting back the leaves until they have died back naturally, as the foliage helps to nourish the bulb for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Trout Lily prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7. A soil mix of leaf mold, loamy garden soil, and sand in equal parts can provide optimal growing conditions for this woodland perennial.
RepottingTrout Lilies should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growing bulbs. They are typically repotted in the fall after the leaves have died back.
Humidity & MistingTrout Lilies thrive in average room humidity levels; however, they appreciate higher humidity closer to 50% which mimics their native woodland environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Trout Lilies near a north-facing window and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade with rich, moist soil and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleErythronium 'Wildside Seedling', commonly known as dog's tooth violet, begins its life cycle as a seed which, once sown, will germinate in favorable conditions, typically requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. After germination, a bulb forms underground, which will send up a single leaf in the first year, and in subsequent years, a small clump of basal leaves will emerge. The growth of additional leaves is followed by the flowering stage in spring, where the plant produces its characteristic nodding, lily-like flowers, usually in shades of pink or white. After pollination, the plant sets seed, which is then dispersed to give rise to new plants, continuing the reproductive cycle. During the summer, the leaves of Erythronium 'Wildside Seedling' will die back, and the plant will enter a period of dormancy, with the bulb surviving underground. The cycle begins anew the following spring when temperatures rise and the ground thaws.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The Erythronium 'Wildside Seedling', commonly known as the Dogtooth Violet, is most effectively propagated through division. The best time to propagate these plants is in late summer after foliage has died back, typically in August or September. Division involves carefully digging up the bulb clusters and gently separating them into individual bulbs. New bulbs can be planted immediately in well-draining soil, with about 3 inches (approximately 7.6 centimeters) of soil covering the top. Planting the bulbs at the correct depth is crucial for successful growth in the following spring. It's important to water the new plantings thoroughly after the division and during dry periods.
