Erythronium umbilicatum C.R. Parks & Hardin

Dimpled Trout Lily; Dimpled Fawn Lily

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Dimpled Trout Lily is a native perennial in the Lily family (Liliaceae). It can be found in the northern half of Alabama. Dimpled Trout Lily grows in mesic hardwood forest, along streams, and in limestone areas. It is a perennial from a small, white, pointed bulb. Another common name of species in this genus is “Dog Tooth Violet” and refers to the tooth-shaped bulb. Seedlings produce a single elliptic to ovate-lanceolate leaf with entire margins. Mature plants produce two leaves. The leaves are mottled in silver green, green, and reddish green. The common name “Trout Lily” or “Fawn Lily” refers to the mottled appearance of the leaves. Mature plants produce a single nodding flower on a scape 2-8 inches in height. The tepals (a term used for both the petals and sepals when they are similar in shape and color) are strongly reflexed and bright yellow in color on the inner surface and purple/orange on the outer surface. They may have brownish or purple spots near the center of the flower. The anthers are brown or purple. The tepals lack auricles (ear lobe like extensions at the base). The fruit is a capsule with a distinct indention at the base of the style. After pollination the scape falls over and the capsule develops on the surface on the leaves or covered by them. The seed possess an eliasome (a fleshy appendage that is rich in oils, fats, and proteins). This is a special adaptation for ant dispersal (myrmecochory). It is listed as a S1 species in Alabama (typically 5 or fewer occurrences, very few remaining individuals, acres, or some factor of its biology making it especially vulnerable in the state). Dimpled Trout Lily is offered for sale from some native plant nurseries. It prefers a moist, organic rich soil in full shade under hardwoods. Do not purchase plants that have been wild collected. It is also not a good idea to try to dig wild plants. The bulb is often deep in the soil and easily detached.—A. Diamond

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Native FAC (NWPL) S1 (State Rank) G5T5 (Global Rank)

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