Dog's tooth violet

Dog's tooth violets are the first sign of spring in the mountains and the domesticated varieties bring alpine glory to the garden. Their twisted, reflexed flower petals, bending over rosetted leaves, are a welcome discovery among last season's fallen leaves. The bulbs are native to woodlands and must be sited in well-draining soil rich in organic matter to flourish in home gardens.

Light:

Sun, Part Sun, Shade

Zones:

3-8

Plant Type:

Bulb

Plant Height:

4-12 inches tall

Plant Width:

To 1 foot wide

Landscape Uses:

Beds & Borders, Slopes, Groundcover

Special Features:

Flowers, Attractive Foliage

Top Varieties

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Trout lily

(Erythronium americanum) is a North American native wildflower that produces clusters of golden flowers reversed in purplish brown on leafless stems sprouting from mottled foliage. It grows 10 inches tall. Zones 3-8
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Purple King dog's tooth violet

(Erythronium dens-canis 'Purple King') bears reflexed flowers that resemble large cyclamen, with their fuchsia pink coloring and reddish brown-throated base. It grows 5 inches tall. Zones 3-8
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Pagoda dog's tooth violet

(Erythronium 'Pagoda') is a cross between two native North American species that produces up to five golden-yellow flowers on each stem. The petals reflex to reveal a reddish ring at the base, and bloom in mid- to late spring. The leaves are thick and veined in whitish green. It grows 1 foot tall. Zones 3-8.
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