White Trout-Lily
Erythronium albidum
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Pl. 845A — Erythronium albidum
Erythronium albidumErythronium albidumErythronium albidumErythronium albidumErythronium albidumErythronium albidumErythronium albidumErythronium albidumErythronium albidumErythronium albidumErythronium albidumErythronium albidumErythronium albidumErythronium albidum
IOverview
Overview
White Trout-Lily (Erythronium albidum) is a delicate herbaceous plant native to the eastern United States and Canada, found in moist, light-shaded habitats such as forests and woodlands. Known for its edible parts—flowers, leaves, and root—it thrives in soil types ranging from light sandy to medium and can tolerate partial sun to full shade. Hardy in zones 4-8, this plant reaches a height of about 0.1 meters and is distinguished by its white, mottled leaves that resemble the scales of a trout, hence its common name. Its native range includes states like Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, and Ontario, making it a notable addition to gardens or natural landscapes where it can be appreciated for both its beauty and culinary uses.
Quick answers
What is White Trout-Lily?
White Trout-Lily (Erythronium albidum) is a delicate herbaceous plant native to the eastern United States and Canada, found in moist, light-shaded habitats such as forests and woodlands.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
White Trout-Lily thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows up to 0.1 meters tall. For best results, propagate via bulb division or seed sowing. Harvest edible parts including flowers, leaves, and roots from the native range of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow White Trout-Lily for the first time
7steps
Start with White Trout-Lily to gain experience in growing native bulbs.
- 1
What you'll need
White Trout-Lily bulbs, potting soil, a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring before new growth emerges or in fall after leaves drop.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with light texture. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Place bulbs 2-3 times their width deep, pointed end up in moist soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and avoid direct sunlight to prevent drying out.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial shade and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize sparingly in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves after flowering to maintain plant health, but avoid disturbing bulbs.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRoot
Edible uses: The white trout-lily's flowers, leaves, and roots are edible. Typically, the root is harvested and can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves and flowers are best when picked young and may be added to salads or cooked like spinach. Roots are often dried before use in soups or stews.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
27 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
27 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 27 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Pennsylvania
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 845a6fef-4df1-4f83-863b-e211b70075f6
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