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yellow trout lily

Erythronium americanum

The yellow trout lily is a bright yellow flower that blooms in spring. It has lovely, speckled leaves that look like fish scales, making it special and fun to find in the woods!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The yellow trout lily has striking, mottled green leaves that resemble a brook trout's skin, making it unique on the forest floor. Its nodding, bell-shaped flowers are bright yellow, with six petals that curve sharply backwards. These emerge on slender stalks above a pair of basal leaves.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderLilialesFamilyLiliaceaeGenusErythronium
yellow trout lily
flowering trait badgecluster_flower trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
yellow trout lily

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It takes up to seven years for a yellow trout lily seedling to produce its very first flower!

Its common name comes from the mottled leaves resembling a brook trout, while its corm looks like a dog's tooth!

The yellow trout lily's leaves and corms contain compounds that can cause a mild stomachache if eaten raw!

These 'spring ephemerals' emerge, bloom, and disappear within just a few weeks each year!

Special abilities

Ability

Spring Sprint

Yellow trout lily is a 'spring ephemeral,' growing, flowering, and setting seed rapidly before tree leaves block the sunlight.

Ability

Ant Seed Express

Its seeds have a fatty attachment that attracts ants, which then carry and disperse the seeds, helping it spread.

Ability

Colony Builder

Yellow trout lily spreads by underground rhizomes, allowing a single plant to form large, dense colonies over time.

Measurements & details

Height
10-30 cm
Spread
5-15 cm
Flower Size
2-4 cm
Bloom Season
Early spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

Drinks nectar and collects pollen from its flowers.

symbiotic with

Ant species

Aphaenogaster picea

Carries its seeds away to help them spread and germinate.

eaten by

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Browses on its tender leaves and flowers in early spring.

eaten by

Leopard Slug

Limax maximus

Chews holes in its leaves when they emerge from the ground.

Traits

Also known as

Dog-tooth violet

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't pick flowers, so everyone can enjoy them!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is yellow trout lily?

10-30 cm

How wide does yellow trout lily spread?

5-15 cm

How big are the flowers on yellow trout lily?

2-4 cm

When does yellow trout lily bloom?

Early spring

Is yellow trout lily edible?

Yes

Is yellow trout lily toxic?

Mild

What is yellow trout lily's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is yellow trout lily pollinated?

Insect

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