by M.J. Holliday

Created on: December 11, 2010

The dog's tooth violet (Erythronium dens-canis) is a perennial woodland plant native to Europe. The dog's tooth violet belongs to the family Liliaceae, and is the only naturally occurring species of Liliaceae in Europe. As a member of the lily family, the dog's tooth is not a true violet.

A hardy and elegant little plant, the dog's tooth violet matures at six to nine inches high. The paired oval leaves are mottled green and brownish purple. A long white root bulb, which looks like a dog's tooth, gives the plant its name.

In early spring, the dog's tooth violet blossoms with a single flower. The flower stalk rises above the leaves and curves gracefully, crowned by reflexed petals of pink, white or pale purple. The petals are tinted yellow at the base.

Dog's tooth violets grow wild in areas of shade and humidity, and are often found peeking through the undergrowth in forested regions of southern Europe. In North America, several other species of Erythronium, such as Erythronium americanum, are sometimes referred to as dogtooth violet.

The dog's tooth violet is popular as an ornamental garden plant. Unlike some other members of the lily family, the dog's tooth violet is edible. The cooked or dried bulb is tasty as a root vegetable. In dried form, the bulb can be ground into flour. The leaves of the dog's tooth violet are naturally high in vitamins and other valuable nutrients, and may be eaten boiled, steamed or in stir-fries.

How to Grow Dog's Tooth Violets

The dog's tooth violet is a low-maintenance plant, tolerant of cold weather, wind, sloping terrain and occasional nibbling by rabbits. Despite its hardy nature, dog's tooth violet can be tricky to grow. The bulbs won't last in storage, and die quickly if not planted right away.

To grow dog's tooth violets in the garden, plant bulbs in shade to dappled light. Plant as soon as the bulbs are ripe, or as soon as they arrive from the store. Some gardeners prefer to plant dog's tooth violet in spring, while others prefer late summer, when Erythronium is naturally in a dormant stage.

The dog's tooth violet thrives in a soil of sandy loam to some clay, with a pH level of 5 to 7 and a water range of normal to moist. Ideal locations for dog's tooth violet are under trees, in rock gardens or beside streams.

Enrich the soil with a fertilizer high in phosphorus, such as bone meal fertilizer. Plant bulbs upright in holes about 1-1/2 bulb-widths apart, at a depth of at least three times the height of the bulb. A sprinkling of red pepper will discourage rodents such as squirrels and gophers from eating the bulbs.

Keep soil evenly moist, and ensure that soil drainage is adequate. When the plants are two to three years old, the bulbs can be divided and replanted.

Dog's tooth violets can also do well as container plants. Use a wide, deep container to allow root growth. Choose a spot to put the container, and don't move it. Dog's tooth violets dislike being moved. The container should have good drainage. Use a high-quality potting soil suitable for Erythronium or the lily family.

Moisten the container soil completely before planting the bulb. As the plant grows, water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but don't overwater or the roots will rot.

Erythronium dens-canis flowers from early April to mid-June. In wild woodlands, the graceful dog's tooth violet is one of the first signs of spring.

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