Dog's-Tooth Violet
Erythronium dens-canis
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Pl. 6EF3 — Erythronium dens-canis
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IOverview
Overview
Dog's-Tooth Violet (Erythronium dens-canis) is a member of the Melanthiaceae family and is native to several European countries including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey-in-Europe, Ukraine, and Yugoslavia. This plant is known for its edible root and leaves, which can be harvested for culinary use. It thrives in moist, light to medium soil with a pH range of 4.5–5, and prefers partial shade. The distinctive feature of this plant is its unique, tooth-like leaf shape, from which it derives its common name. Its hardiness ranges from zones 3-7, making it adaptable to various climates within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Dog's-Tooth Violet?
Dog's-Tooth Violet (Erythronium dens-canis) is a member of the Melanthiaceae family and is native to several European countries including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey-in-Europe, Ukraine, and Yugoslavia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Dog's-Tooth Violet thrives in moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy) to medium-textured. It prefers partial shade with some direct sunlight, though it can tolerate more sun if the soil is consistently moist. The plant grows best in hardiness zones 3-7 and reaches a height of about 0.2 meters. For optimal growth, maintain consistent moisture levels and ensure the soil pH ranges between 4.5 and 5. Propagate via division or seed sowing for new plants. Harvest edible parts such as leaves and roots carefully to avoid damaging the plant.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-7
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Soil pH
4.5–5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Dog's-Tooth Violet for the first time
7steps
Start with Dog's-Tooth Violet to gain experience in growing bulbs and learn about woodland conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
Dog's-Tooth Violet bulbs, well-draining soil mix, a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring before new growth emerges or in late summer after the first frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a light, sandy loam with good drainage. Ensure containers have holes for water to escape.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 2-3 inches deep and about twice their width apart in the soil mix.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Avoid direct sunlight; partial shade is ideal.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially during dry spells. Mulch to retain moisture and cool the soil.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves in late spring after flowering to encourage new growth for next year.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The Dog's-Tooth Violet is edible and its leaves and roots can be consumed. Typically, the roots are dug up in early spring or late fall and may be eaten raw or cooked. Leaves are also gathered for use, often prepared by boiling before consumption. Both parts are best enjoyed when fresh but can be dried for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
15 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
15 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 15 native· 1 introduced
Europe12 regions
native (12)AlbaniaAustriaBulgariaFranceGreeceHungaryItalyPortugalRomaniaSpainSwitzerlandUkraine
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
introduced:Virginia
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 · 6ef38c5b-9fa1-42e2-96f3-2c7b363818e1
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