Dog's-tooth violet
Erythronium dens-canis
Family: Liliaceae
What it is like
A bulb plant. It grows 10-15 cm high and spreads 8-10 cm wide. The corm is similar in shape to a dog's tooth. The leaves are blue-green and strongly mottled with brown. The flowers are nodding. They vary in colour from purplish pink to white. The centre is usually yellow with a ring of orange-brown marks. The flowers are 5 cm across.
There are about 22 Erythronium species.
Where it is found
It can tolerate dryness in the summer. It can grow in bright sun or light shade. It needs well drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Europe, Korea, Mongolia, Siberia, Slovenia
How it is used for food
The bulbs are dried and then boiled with milk or broth. They are also used for starch used in vermicelli and cakes. The leaves are eaten boiled.
Edible parts
Leaves, root
How it is grown
The corms are planted 8-10 cm deep and 15-20 cm apart. Plants can be propagated by division.
Its other names
Local names
Navadni pasji zob, Pasiji zuib