Erythronium americanum aka Yellow Trout Lily

Erythronium americanum, also known as the trout lily, yellow trout lily, or yellow dogtooth violet, is a perennial flower native to North America. It thrives in woodland habitats and forms colonies. This species is commonly found in eastern North America and is widespread across its range. The leaves of the trout lily are gray-green and mottled with brown or gray, resembling the coloring of brook trout. The plant grows up to 15cm in height and has deep green, elliptic leaves that are solitary or paired. In the spring, slender reddish stems bear solitary golden yellow flowers with recurved petals. These flowers may have a reddish-purple flush on the outsides. Erythronium americanum slowly spreads and forms small colonies under favorable conditions. It may take several years for the plants to flower, and some individual plants may not flower every year. In Missouri, this species is called yellow adder's tongue, yellow fawn lily, or yellow dog-tooth violet. It can be found in moist woods, wooded slopes, bluffs, and along streams. The flower blooms in early spring, with a single, nodding, bell- or lily-shaped yellow flower atop a naked scape. The plant has two glossy, tongue-shaped, basal leaves that resemble tulips and can grow up to 6 inches long. Erythronium americanum can be grown from seed, but it takes 4-5 years for the plants to flower. It is suitable for moist soils in shaded areas of native plant gardens, shade gardens, woodland gardens, or wild/naturalized areas. It also thrives in pond or stream banks and shady areas of rock gardens. Overall, Erythronium americanum is a beautiful wildflower that adds charm to its natural habitats.