Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full shade, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist

Erythroniums (dog's tooth violet) are beautiful plants, and are easy to grow provided they're given the moist soil and shady woodland conditions they're used to in the wild. The English name reflects the shape of the bulb, which is said to resemble a dog's tooth.

The recurved petals of their blooms resemble small Turk's-cap lilies. The bulbous plants develop young offsets freely and sometimes underground runners, so they build steadily into impressive clumps that are best left undisturbed.

Erythronium dens-canis bears nodding, violet, swept-back petals resembling small shooting stars. It's perfect for growing at the front of a shady border and can also be grown through thin grass. For best results grow Erythronium dens-canis in moist soil in a shady spot, and mulch annually with leaf mould.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Divideyesyes

Erythronium and wildlife

Erythronium has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Erythronium poisonous?

Erythronium has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Erythronium dens-canis
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