Erythronium dens-canis
dog's tooth violet
A herbaceous perennial to 25cm, with paired ovate-elliptic leaves, heavily mottled with brown, and solitary, nodding mauve-pink flowers 4-5cm in width, have reflexed tepals with yellow and red-brown zones at base
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Red Yellow | Brown Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Erythronium are bulbous perennials with paired, ovate or broadly elliptic leaves, and leafless stems bearing one or more nodding, star-shaped flowers with recurved petals
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant 10cm deep in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial shade that does not dry out. Bulbs in storage must be kept slightly damp. See bulb cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division after flowering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.