Trout Lily
Erythronium americanum
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Pl. A803 — Erythronium americanum
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IOverview
Overview
Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum) is a delicate woodland perennial native to eastern North America, ranging from Alabama and Connecticut northward into Canada. Known for its edible properties and ornamental value, this plant thrives in moist, partially shaded environments with light or medium soil. Its distinctive mottled leaves and cup-shaped flowers, often resembling the markings of a trout, make it a charming addition to the forest floor. The entire plant is edible, with roots, leaves, and even flowers being consumed. Trout Lily prefers hardiness zones 3-7 and reaches a height of about 0.2 meters, making it an attractive choice for gardeners interested in native plants.
Quick answers
What is Trout Lily?
Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum) is a delicate woodland perennial native to eastern North America, ranging from Alabama and Connecticut northward into Canada. Known for its edible properties and ornamental value, this plant thrives in moist, partially shaded environments with light or medium soil.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Trout Lily thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil. Hardy from zones 3-7, it is a forb/herb that grows up to 0.2 meters tall. For best results, propagate by division or seed. Harvest edible parts including flowers, leaves, and roots.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-7
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Trout Lily for the first time
8steps
Start with Trout Lilies to gain experience in growing woodland plants.
- 1
What you'll need
Trout Lily bulbs, potting mix suitable for moisture retention, a shady spot in your garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Trout Lilies in early spring or late fall when the soil is cool and moist.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining potting mix with added organic matter. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 2-3 inches deep, pointed end up. Space them about 6-8 inches apart in the garden.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during this critical period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil dries out, especially if rainfall is scarce. Avoid overhead watering to prevent rot.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
After flowering, allow leaves to yellow and die back naturally before removing them. Do not harvest roots for eating.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch around the plants.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRoot
Edible uses: Trout Lily's flowers, leaves, and roots are edible. The flowers can be eaten raw or used in salads for a mild, sweet flavor. The young leaves are also often consumed fresh or cooked as a vegetable. The root, while bitter, is sometimes boiled and then mashed to add to other dishes.
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Labrador, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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