Erythronium americanum - Yellow trout lily thrive in part shade and dappled shade. The best place to grow is an east-facing location with morning sun.
Erythronium americanum, also called as Yellow trout lily, Trout lily, Yellow dogtooth violet, Erythronium flavum, is a species of the genus Erythronium. This species was described by John Bellenden Ker Gawler in 1808.
IDENTIFY ERYTHRONIUM AMERICANUM - YELLOW TROUT LILY
Erythronium americanum is native to North America. It is found growing in fairly well-drained soil under deciduous trees in mixed woods and northern hardwood forests. They also grow at higher elevations in mountain conifer forests. This species can also be seen along streams and the slopes of ravines. They prefer dappled spring sunlight in moist, rich loamy soil with leaf litter and decaying organic matter.
It is a spring ephemeral - perennial woodland plants which growing up to about eight inches tall that sprout from the ground early each spring with 1 or 2 basal leaves. The root system consists of a corm, with fibrous roots and stolons that create offshoots from the mother plant, resulting in colonies of plants. The basal leaves are 2½-6" long and ½-2" across; they are ascending to erect, elliptic-lanceolate in shape, and smooth (entire) along their margins. The upper leaf surface is mottled pale green and brown or greenish brown, while the lower surface is solid medium green; both surfaces are glabrous and the lower surface is often glaucous.
Yellow trout lily blooms in early spring from the end of the single stem. The flowers are about an inch wide, solitary and nodding. They are sometimes tinged with purple or reddish brown on the outside of the petals. The flowers have six stamens in the center, usually tipped with yellow or deep rusty red anthers. The petals flare out and back. The flowers are replaced by fruit, which take the form of seed capsules about ½ to ¾ inch length. The capsule starts out as green, changing to brown and splitting open into three sections to expose the crescent-shaped seeds.
ERYTHRONIUM AMERICANUM - YELLOW TROUT LILY CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Erythronium americanum thrive in part shade and dappled shade. The best place to grow is an east-facing location with morning sun. In its native habitat, the plant grows underneath deciduous trees such as oaks and maples. In the early spring, before the trees have leaved out, this setting provides ample sunlight, which the plants need to thrive and bloom. Later, during the summer, there should be dappled shade to protect the plant from the hot midday and afternoon sun.
Temperature:
Yellow trout lily can grow outdoor in USDA zone 3-8 and is not frost-tender. This is a spring ephemeral whose foliage disappears by late spring as the plant goes dormant.
Substrate and growing media:
Erythronium americanum are used as ground cover, and in rock gardens, woodland gardens, wildflower meadow, beds and borders, and cottage gardens. These plants also grow well along streams and ponds. They prefers well-draining, moist, slightly acid and humus-rich soil. The plants grow well in loam, sand, clay, and chalk soils. It is best to maintain the moisture level of this plant even when they are dormant.
The plant grow better when left in the wild and don’t like being transplanted. It must be planted where it will receive ample sun in early spring. It makes an attractive seasonal ground cover. A leafy wintercover, left in place in spring, is desireable. Clumps of plants that include many leaves and few flowers should be divided.
Watering:
Yellow trout lily require regular water throughout their growing period, about one inch of water per week from rain or irrigation in spring. Deep watering every week is better as compared to light water every two days. The plants need moist soil, even when dormant, do let the soil dry out completly. Once the plants enter dormancy, cover it with topsoil. Divide these plants after four years to maintain their freshness.
Fertilizer:
Erythronium americanum does not need extra fertilizer. Instead, plant the plant in rich soil and add more organic matter each spring before the new growth starts.
Grooming and pruning:
Once these plants have completed their blooming period, avoid cutting off the foliage. It gathers sunlight and creates food using the photosynthesis process, which helps in strengthening the bulbs for new growth. Keep the plant under a part shade, and cut the spent flowers off after the bloom season.
Pests and diseases:
Yellow trout lily are mostly trouble-free and rarely experience severe disease or pest problems. The biggest concern for these plants is a soil mixture with a poor drainage system as this often results in root rotting and damaged bulbs.
Propagation:
Erythronium americanum can be grown from seeds. Sow in pots and only lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or fine grit. Place the pots in a sheltered spot outside until they germinate. Growing from seed is a slow process and it might take five years until they flower.
They can also be propagated quicker and better from planting corms which are sold by many bulb suppliers and nurseries. Plant corms 2-3” deep and 4-5” apart in fall. Corms of this species produce stolons, and plants will slowly spread to form large colonies if left undisturbed in optimum growing conditions.
After several years, when the plants have grown into leafy clumps, it’s time to divide them. Mark their location in the spring so you know where to dig the bulbs in the late summer. Replant the bulbs about three inches deep and mulch them well.
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