Erythronium umbilicatum

Common Names

Dimpled Trout Lily, Dimpled Trout-Lily, Dimpled Troutlily

Summary

Erythronium umbilicatum, the dimpled trout lily, is a southeastern United States native spring ephemeral that forms colonies from bulbs. It has two basal, mottled leaves and a single nodding yellow flower on a 5 to 8 inch stalk; six yellow tepals are strongly recurved with purple-brown markings on the exterior. Growth appears in a short spring period, with dormancy by summer as energy is stored underground, and flowering occurs in late winter to early spring, often in moist deciduous forests, bottomlands, and shaded woodlands, reaching about 4 to 10 inches tall. Cultivation favors humus-enriched moist soils in partial to full shade, making it suitable for woodland or shade garden plantings and areas near ponds or streams. Propagation occurs by division during the dormant period and by seed, forming colonies over time; bulbs can be deep and transplanting is delicate, best done at the original depth, with seeds often dispersed by ants. It is hardy in zones 4a to 9b and valued as a spring woodland wildflower that supports early pollinators such as bees.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-10 inches

Spread

4-7 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade; tolerates partial sun and full shade

Soil Type

Humus-rich, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring (February through April)

Foliage Color

Green leaves mottled with brown and purple markings.

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees