Dog's tooth violet
Erythronium dens-canis
Also called Erythronium and Trout lily
Garden plant · BulbsNever let the tuber dry out — buy it potted or in the green. The name is about the shape of that tuber, not the flower, which looks nothing like a violet.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Medium
- Water
- Every 6 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Partial shade, in soil that stays moist
- Feed
- Not needed
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a cold winter RHS H5, to -15°C
- Size
- 0.15 m tall · 0.1 m across
- Lifecycle
- Bulb
- Origin
- Europe
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
PeopleHarmful if eaten
The tuber most of all.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS: ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-11.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.