Erythronium Dens-Canis
Erythronium dens-canis L.
Erythronium dens-canis, the Dog's Tooth Violet, is one of the most enchanting spring ephemerals of European woodlands. It produces solitary, elegantly nodding flowers with reflexed petals in shades of pink, lilac, and white above beautifully mottled leaves, symbolizing docility, grace, and the fleeting perfection of early spring.
Liliaceae (Lily family)
Early to mid spring (March to April); typically one of the first woodland bulbs to bloom; a true spring ephemeral
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: snowdrops and white evening primroses also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Erythronium dens-canis is the only Erythronium species native to Europe, and as such it holds a unique place in the botanical and cultural heritage of the continent. Its name carries layers of meaning: Erythronium from the Greek for "red," referencing the color of the species' flowers; dens-canis from the Latin for "dog's tooth," naming the distinctive white tooth-shaped bulb. The plant is a classic "spring ephemeral," appearing suddenly as snow melts in late winter, blooming brilliantly for a few precious weeks, and then vanishing entirely by early summer, making it a powerful natural symbol of the preciousness and transience of beauty. In the Victorian language of flowers it was assigned the meaning of "docility," inspired by the flower's graceful, bowing nod. It has been cultivated in European gardens for nearly 400 years, praised by the great gardening writers of the 17th century, and continues to be awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in many of its cultivars.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Partial shade to full shade; ideal under the dappled canopy of deciduous trees where light is bright in early spring before the leaf canopy closes
Water
Consistent moisture throughout the growing season; never allow the soil or bulbs to dry out completely, even during dormancy; particularly important to maintain moisture when dormant in summer
Soil
Humus-rich, Moist, Well-drained, Slightly acidic, Rich in organic matter
Expert Growing Tips
Plant bulbs in early autumn as soon as they are available; do not allow the tooth-like bulbs to dry out before planting
Plant 2 to 3 inches deep (5 to 7.5 cm) in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade
Mulch annually with leaf mould to maintain moisture, improve soil organic content, and mimic the natural woodland floor
Never allow the soil to dry completely, even in summer dormancy; this is the most common cause of failure
Divide established clumps immediately after flowering to propagate; do not allow divided bulbs to dry out
Seeds can be sown fresh in autumn and will typically germinate readily; plants take several years to reach flowering size from seed
A long history of cultivation in Europe; praised by English gardener John Parkinson as early as 1629
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Naturalizing under deciduous trees and shrubs in woodland gardens
- Rock garden and shady border planting for early spring color
- Cottage and country garden bulb planting in groups
- Ground-level front-of-border edging
- Companion planting with other spring ephemerals such as snowdrops, wood anemones, and bluebells
- Container planting in shaded alpine house conditions
Traditional Uses
- Traditionally used in European folk medicine as a vermifuge (to expel intestinal worms), emollient, and emetic
- Bulbs and leaves are edible; bulbs can be eaten raw or boiled, though raw bulbs may cause a burning sensation
- Bulbs have been processed into a starch used in China, Japan, and parts of Europe to make noodles, vermicelli, and baking starch
- Johann Gmelin, professor of botany at St. Petersburg University in the 18th century, described a nourishing soup made from the bulbs
- In Mongolia and Siberia, bulbs have been eaten with reindeer or cow milk
- American species Erythronium grandiflorum have been a staple food for indigenous peoples and bears in the locality
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Erythronium Dens-Canis
Why is Erythronium dens-canis called the Dog's Tooth Violet?
The name refers to the shape of the white underground bulb, which is oblong and pointed in a way that closely resembles a dog's canine tooth. The "violet" part of the name reflects the flower's lilac-purple coloring and its woodland habitat, though it is not related to true violets at all but belongs to the lily family.
What does the Dog's Tooth Violet symbolize?
In the Victorian language of flowers, Erythronium dens-canis symbolizes "docility," inspired by the flower's graceful, nodding posture. More broadly it represents the fleeting beauty of early spring, gentle grace, and the delicate strength of small things that endure winter to bloom brilliantly at the first warmth of the year.
Is Erythronium dens-canis easy to grow?
Yes, with one critical requirement: the bulbs and soil must never be allowed to dry out, even during summer dormancy. Plant in humus-rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade under deciduous trees. Mulch annually with leaf mould. Provided moisture is maintained, Dog's Tooth Violet naturalizes readily and multiplies into charming colonies.
When does the Dog's Tooth Violet bloom?
Erythronium dens-canis blooms in early to mid spring, typically March to April, making it one of the earliest spring flowering bulbs in the European woodland garden. After blooming, the foliage dies back by early summer and the plant is completely dormant until the following autumn.
Is Erythronium dens-canis toxic?
Erythronium dens-canis is not reported as significantly toxic. The bulbs and leaves are edible and have a long history of use as food in parts of Europe, Russia, and Asia. However, raw bulbs may cause a burning sensation in some people. There are no significant toxic effects reported by the RHS or in standard horticultural literature.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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