Erythronium dens-canis aka Dogtooth Violet

Taxonomy

Erythronium dens-canis, commonly known as the dog's-tooth-violet or dogtooth violet, is a bulbous herbaceous perennial plant in the family Liliaceae. It can grow up to 25 cm (10 in) in height and is native to central and southern Europe, ranging from Portugal to Ukraine. This species is the only naturally occurring Erythronium in Europe and is not closely related to the true violets of the Viola genus. The 'Purple King' variety of Erythronium dens-canis is a perennial plant that reaches a height of around 25 cm. It features paired, broadly-oval leaves that are heavily-mottled with brown. During the spring season, brown, erect stems emerge, bearing solitary, nodding flowers that are mauve-pink in color and measure around 4-5 cm wide. These flowers have yellow edges at their bases, and their reflexed petals reveal long, white anthers with purple tips. Erythronium dens-canis itself produces a single flower in white, pink, or lilac hues at the beginning of spring. The petals, growing to approximately 3 cm in length, are reflexed at the top and display a yellow tint at the base. The leaves of this species are ovate to lanceolate and grow in pairs, featuring distinctive brown spots. The oblong-shaped bulb of Erythronium dens-canis resembles a dog's tooth, hence the common name "dog's tooth violet" and the Latin specific epithet dens-canis, which translates as "dog's tooth".

Common names

Dogtooth Violet, Dog's Tooth Violet

How to care for Dogtooth Violet

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Dogtooth Violet, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Dogtooth Violet should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Dogtooth Violet loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Dogtooth Violet prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Dogtooth Violet plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Dogtooth Violet is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Dogtooth Violet’s native range is Europe.


More info:
Wikipedia