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Description
Erythronium Dens-Canis, commonly known as dog’s tooth violet or trout lily, is a perennial plant native to Europe. It belongs to the family Liliaceae and is known for its showy flowers that bloom in the spring. The name “dog’s tooth violet” comes from the shape of its bulb, which is tooth-shaped and resembles a dog’s canine tooth. The plant grows up to 15 cm tall and produces a single stem with one or two leaves that are green and spotted with brown. Its flowers are star-shaped and range in color from pink to white, with yellow centers. Erythronium Dens-Canis is a popular ornamental plant for gardens and landscapes due to its beauty and ease of care.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Erythronium |
| Species | Dens-Canis |
Appearance
Erythronium Dens-Canis has a unique appearance that makes it easily recognizable. Its stem grows up to 15 cm tall and produces one or two green leaves that are spotted with brown. The leaves are long and narrow, reaching up to 20 cm in length. The plant’s flowers are star-shaped and range in color from pink to white, with yellow centers. The flowers grow up to 5 cm in diameter and are borne on a single stem that arises from the bulb. The bulb itself is small and tooth-shaped, resembling a dog’s canine tooth. Overall, Erythronium Dens-Canis is a beautiful and unique plant that adds a touch of elegance to any landscape or garden.
Care Guide
Erythronium Dens-Canis is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:
Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to burnt foliage.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal.
Sunlight: Erythronium Dens-Canis prefers partial shade to full shade. Avoid planting it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch its leaves.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Erythronium Dens-Canis is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to the following:
Slugs and snails: These pests can damage the plant’s foliage and flowers. Use slug and snail bait to control them.
Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause the plant’s leaves and flowers to rot. Remove infected plant material and apply a fungicide to prevent the disease from spreading.
Virus diseases: Erythronium Dens-Canis can be infected with various virus diseases that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Unfortunately, there is no cure for virus diseases, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed.
Habitat
Erythronium Dens-Canis is native to Europe and can be found growing in meadows, woodlands, and rocky areas. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade to full shade. The plant is adapted to cold climates and can survive in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Erythronium Dens-Canis poisonous?
A: No, Erythronium Dens-Canis is not poisonous to humans or animals.
Q: Can Erythronium Dens-Canis be grown indoors?
A: It is not recommended to grow Erythronium Dens-Canis indoors, as it requires partial shade to full shade and moist soil.
Q: When should I plant Erythronium Dens-Canis bulbs?
A: Plant the bulbs in the fall, about 4-5 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart.
Q: How long do the flowers of Erythronium Dens-Canis last?
A: The flowers typically last for 2-3 weeks.
Related Plants
- Erythronium americanum
- Erythronium californicum
- Erythronium grandiflorum
- Erythronium japonicum
- Erythronium montanum
References
- “Erythronium dens-canis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 8, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281615.
- “Erythronium dens-canis.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 8, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/10909/erythronium-dens-canis/details.
- “Erythronium dens-canis.” The Spruce. Accessed September 8, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/erythronium-dens-canis-plant-profile-5078426.
