Dog’s-Tooth Violet

(Erythronium dens-canis)

Dog’s-Tooth Violet (Erythronium dens-canis)

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Estimated Native Range

Summary

Erythronium dens-canis, commonly known as Dog’s-Tooth Violet, is a bulbous herbaceous perennial native to forest floors and damp meadows of Europe, particularly in the Alps and the Pyrenees. It is not a true violet, despite its common name. This plant typically grows to 25 cm (10 in) in height and is known for its early spring blooms. The flowers are solitary and can be white, pink, or lilac, with petals that are reflexed at the top and yellow-tinted at the base, each growing to approximately 3 cm. The distinctive brown-spotted leaves are ovate to lanceolate and usually grow in pairs. The oblong white bulb resembles a dog’s tooth, which is reflected in both the common name and the Latin specific epithet dens-canis.

Dog’s-Tooth Violet is valued for its early spring flowers and naturalizing ability, making it a charming addition to woodland gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized areas. It prefers dappled sunlight to full shade and thrives in humus-rich, well-drained soils. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is important to avoid waterlogged conditions. This plant is relatively low-maintenance but can be susceptible to slug and snail damage. It is not typically invasive but can spread over time in favorable conditions, forming attractive colonies.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Bulb
Height: 0.5-0.8 feet
Width: 0.3-0.3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Forest floors and damp meadows of Europe, particularly in the Alps and the Pyrenees

Other Names

Common Names: Dog’s-Tooth-Violet, Dogtooth Violet

Scientific Names: , Erythronium dens-canis, Erythronium dens-canis var. niveum, Erythronium bifidum, Erythronium bulbosum, Erythronium caninum, Erythronium dens-canis subsp. albiflorum, Erythronium dens-canis var. purpureum, Erythronium dens-canis var. roseum, Erythronium dens-canis var. tetragonum

GBIF Accepted Name: Erythronium dens-canis L.