Plant species

dog's-tooth violet Erythronium dens-canis

Liliaceae

Species information

Description

A spring bulb or corm plant with parallel-veined leaves and conspicuous flowers on short to medium-length stems. An early spring woodland geophyte with mottled leaves and a nodding pink to violet flower.

Plant traits

Growth form

geophyte

Life cycle

perennial

Height

10–25 cm

Typical season

123456789101112

Active growth

Flowering

Fruiting

Timing varies with site and year.

Habitat conditions

Habitat

forest · forest edge · mesic grasslands

Light

partial shade

Moisture

mesic · moist

Soil

acidic · neutral

Substrate

indifferent

Pollination

insect pollination

Status

native

Interesting facts

The white, elongated underground bulb resembles a canine tooth, explaining the Latin name dens-canis.

LifeSystems

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