Erythronium americanum aka Yellow Trout Lily

Erythronium americanum, or yellow trout lily, belongs to the lily family. This bulbous perennial comes from eastern Canada and the United States. It grows in damp woods and meadows with rich soil. Plants emerge and bloom before nearby trees grow their leaves. They then die back and rest underground by late spring. Their ground cover lasts only through this short growing season.

Garden plants stand about 0.3–0.5 feet [0.10–0.15 metres] tall. NC State gives a similar range for their width. RHS lists a broader height limit of 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Its detailed account puts plants near 0.5 feet [0.15 metres]. Underground stems let plants spread and form small groups. Young plants often grow just one leaf. Flowering plants have two leaves at the base. These smooth, oval leaves bear brown-purple marks on green. The marks help explain the common name, trout lily.

Each slim, reddish flower stem carries one yellow bloom. The stem has no leaves along its length. Flowers face down, with six parts that curl back. Their outer faces can show red-purple tints. Chicago Botanic Garden records blooms from March to April. Flowers last about two weeks and draw bees. Plants grown from seed may need four to five years to bloom. Even mature plants may skip a year of flowering. A round seed capsule follows the flower. It splits into three sections to release its seeds.

Grow this plant in light shade or shade cast by trees. It needs rich soil with humus and good drainage. Keep the soil moist, including during its summer rest. RHS accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soils. NC State notes a preference for acid soil. Chicago lists USDA zones 3–8; RHS gives a UK rating of H5. Use it beneath shrubs, in woodland beds, or beside streams. Shaded rock gardens also suit it. Plant bulbs in late summer or early autumn. Keep unplanted bulbs slightly damp. Established plants dislike moving and need no pruning. Slugs can cause damage, and deer may browse leaves. Sources report few serious pest or disease problems.

PFAF lists bulbs, leaves, flowers, buds, and flower stems as edible. Yet it also reports that plant parts can cause vomiting. Taking leaves weakens the bulb. RHS warns against eating the bulbs and flags risks to pets. These accounts do not support treating it as safe food. PFAF also records past use of leaves and bulbs on wounds and swellings.