helloplants.org

Trout lily, Dog tooth violet, Prairie fawnlily, Snake lily, Yellow adder's tongue, Amberbell
Erythronium americanum

Family: Liliaceae


What it is like

A bulb plant. It grows 10-25 cm high and spreads 8-15 cm wide. The leaves fan outwards and are mottled purple. The flowers occur singly. They are yellow and bell shaped. They are nodding. The plant goes dormant in early summer.

There are about 22 Erythronium species.


Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in rich, moist forests and in valley bottoms. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, Europe, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, North America, Spain, USA


How it is used for food

The young leaves are boiled for 5-10 minutes then served with vinegar. They are also eaten raw in salads. The bulb like corms are boiled for 15-20 minutes and served with butter. The flower stalks, flower buds and flowers are eaten raw or cooked.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, root, bulbs


How it is grown


Its other names

Local names

Synonyms