Yellow Trout Lily

Erythronium americanum
currenty dormant
Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum)
Light: Partial Shade to Full Shade
Soil: Moist, Well-Drained, Rich in Organic Matter
Height: 4–8 inches (10–20 cm)
Bloom Time: Early Spring (March–May)
Flower Color: Yellow
Moisture: Medium to Moist
Wildlife Value: Early nectar source for native bees; important spring ephemeral for forest ecosystems
Native Range: Eastern North America, common in Southern Ontario woodlands
 
Description:
Trout Lily is a charming spring ephemeral that carpets forest floors with its mottled, trout-like leaves and delicate nodding yellow flowers. It emerges early in spring before the tree canopy fully leafs out, providing an essential nectar source for pollinators when few other plants are blooming. Its colonies indicate healthy, undisturbed woodlands.
 
Ecological Benefits:
Supports native bees and early pollinators
Helps stabilize forest soils and maintain rich humus layers
Indicator of mature, undisturbed ecosystems
 
Companion Plants:
Red Trillium (Trillium erectum), Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica), Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
 
Growing Tips:
Plant in dappled woodland conditions with rich, humus-based soil. Allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming to replenish the corm. Avoid disturbing colonies once established.
 
 
Medicinal: Historically used as a poultice for wounds and swellings; tea from the root was sometimes used for fevers and to induce vomiting (emetic).

Trout Lily colonies can take decades to fully develop, making them a true symbol of patience and ecological stability.