Also notice the variation in the amount of mottling on the leaves.īloom Time- Trout lilies are one of the spring ephemerals. Take a look at these pictures taken on a sunny day. It’s best to observe them on a sunny day so they can show off.
On shady days, the flowers are very shy and refuse to open.
The flower is soft white with bright yellow anthers. A mature plant will have two leaves and produce one showy bloom. The majority of Trout Lilies in a given colony are single leafed plants and won’t produce a bloom. They are simple leaves, coming to a tapered point in an oblong shape. They arise opposite at the base of the flower stalk. The speckled leaves are like snowflakes in that no two are alike. The leaves are about 6-7 inches. Each leaf has maroon or brownish speckles on a soft jade green background. Nodding trout lily with earthen tones in yellow, slate, pink and whiteĭescription- Erythronium albidum is not a large plant. The back of the bloom has fascinating layers of slate blue and brownish-pink Underneath, the petals are pale white with bright yellow anthers. I took this picture of the bloom from the top. The back of the petals is a magnificent mix of gray, slate blue, pink and brown that probably could not be reproduced outside of nature. To appreciate the inside of the flower, the stem must be tipped back.īut, that’s not necessary to appreciate the beauty of the bloom. Instead of facing you, the shy bloom is found in a nodding position. The bloom from Erythronium albidum is charming. The yellow trout lily– Erythronium americanum is known to grow within the Arkansas Ozark Region, but isn’t found on Ozarkedge.
The white variety found on Ozarkedge is Erythronium albidum. Another common name, “Dogtooth Violet” refers to the shape of the corm.īloom Color- Trout lily blooms can be yellow or white. The common name “Trout Lily” refers to the pretty speckled leaves, which somewhat resembles the scales of a trout. None of the plants in the southeastern part of the country are red. This refers to other species within the genus. The word ‘erythronium’ has a Greek root meaning red. Latin name/Common namep The Latin name is Erythronium albidum. Many leaves and a single bloom of Erythronium albidum But, with a bit of sun, they open their petals-like wings tipped to the suns warmth. The trout lilies seem to huddle together, flowers closed tight, preserving their warmth. It can still be cold in the March and April woods. Most plants have but a single leaf, yet there are so many in each colony you can’t begin to count them. They grow in large colonies on Ozarkedge. For me, it is the best medicine and the side effects are always positive.Trout lilies seem to like each other’s company. Spring is the time to celebrate, and despite my ongoing health issues, I plan on getting outdoors as much as I am able. It’s been an extremely long winter and it has taken quite an emotional toll. I will try to be more consistent with my posts in the future. Then the cancer can finally be staged and my oncologist can draw up a new treatment plan. They will be removing the remaining cancer around my tumor as well as removing multiple lymph glands as well. All systems are go so far and it will be such a huge relief to have it done finally. My second surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday at a hospital downstate. The bluebird skies, bright sunlight and fresh air were so very needed and although we were unable to find any morel mushrooms, it is the searching that we enjoy. Also absent were the many singing birds we usually find in this special area but their songs will be ringing through the hills as soon as the weather shifts, which hopefully will be soon. The leaves of trout lilies are quite beautiful though, and there were many pips popping up, ready to burst into flower as soon as warm weather arrives. Normally there is an abundance of round-lobed hepaticas, spring beauties, trout lilies and so much more, but we have had a very cold spring so far, so the hills were still quite barren. After 40 long days of leash restrictions, Mojo has finally healed up enough to do what he loves best without being tethered to a leash, so he was shaking with excitement at the prospect of being able to run. Yesterday was our 42nd wedding anniversary, so as we have done for many years in the past, we pointed our jeep north to the Huron National forest, where the hills are covered with mile after mile of beautiful spring wildflowers.