My Own Dog Tooth Violets

One of the first wildflowers to cover the mountains here in Spring, is the Dog Tooth Violet. But there weren't any growing near our home, so two years ago I attempted to dig some up and transplant to a shady area beneath some pines in our yard. It was a good deal more challenging than I expected....because I had to dig really deep to coax the bulbs from the rocky soil, and it was difficult to lift them without breaking the roots. I wasn't at all sure that it would be a successful endeavor.

I am happy to say the operation was a success! Shown above is a close up of this cheerful yellow wildflower....growing in my very own yard.

They aren't very thick yet, like the ones on the hillsides, but I am hoping they will naturalize and spread, to cover the area. I do so love their appearance in early Spring, signaling the change of seasons.... and I am especially glad that I can now see them from my kitchen window. :-)



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DOG'S-TOOTH VIOLET, Erythronium dens-cani

OBSERVERS of plants who endeavour to understand their names have usually a tough, task before them. Many names, indeed, carry their meanings in their faces, but many have no meaning at all; and, again, many are founded on such subtle distinctions or fanciful notions that it is not in the plant but in the mind of the no-menclator that we must seek for the coveted explanation. But whatever the vices of botanical terminology, there are many reasons why names intended to be descriptive should be founded on obvious characters that are displayed above ground. Here is a dog's-tooth violet, and the inquiring amateur may be led to search leaves and flowers for some resemblance to the dog's-tooth moulding that so often occurs in architecture, and may conclude at last that the spots on the leaves shadow forth the resemblance. But the dog's tooth is underground, and we must dig up the plant to make a proper study of its name. The bulbs of the plant are white, and in form not unlike dog's teeth.

Dog Tooth Violets

It is always with a sense of awe and excitement that I observe the arrival of the different wildflowers which adorn the mountains here in Springtime. It is a sure sign that winter is over and that sunshine and warm days will soon return!

After the Buttercups have come and gone, the lovely Dog Tooth Violets appear by the hundreds. They also go by the name of Trout Lily, Glacier Lily, Yellow Fawn Lily, or Adder's Tongue. The Dog Tooth Violet (Erythronium grandiflorum) is a member of the Lily family, growing up from a deep seated perennial bulb. The graceful, nodding bell-shaped flowers are bright yellow.....a wonderful sight for color starved eyes this time of year!

This round bud reminds me of a balloon....about ready to pop open!

The anthers turn more reddish as the bloom matures, and the petals curve backwards....giving it a festive air.

A hillside, covered with Dog Tooth Violets. They prefer the shady wooded areas.


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For lo, the winter is past,
the rain is over and gone;
The flowers appear on the earth;
the time of the singing of birds is come,
and the voice of the turtledove
is heard in our land...

Song of Solomon 2:11