Dog’s-tooth violet Erythronium dens-canis
Dog’s-tooth violet (Erythronium dens-canis) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Liliaceae family, native to Woods and meadows of central and southern Europe. It grows 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall and 10–15 cm (4–6 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 10 cm (4 in) apart.
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Dog’s-tooth violet at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Mature height | 10–15 cm (4–6 in) |
| Mature spread | 10–15 cm (4–6 in) |
| Spacing | 10 cm (4 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 26 °C (79 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Woods and meadows of central and southern Europe |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Dog’s-tooth violet toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: bulbs, leaves
Not well studied in pets; a relative of the lilies, so keep cats away to be safe.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Dog’s-tooth violet
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Dog’s-tooth violet
- How far apart should I plant Dog’s-tooth violet?
- About 10 cm (4 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–15 cm (4–6 in).
- Does Dog’s-tooth violet need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Dog’s-tooth violet need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Dog’s-tooth violet?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Dog’s-tooth violet flower?
- From about March for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Dog’s-tooth violet poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Not well studied in pets; a relative of the lilies, so keep cats away to be safe.
- What grows well with Dog’s-tooth violet?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Dog’s-tooth violet. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A small spring bulb: plant in autumn, about three times its own depth, under deciduous trees, in grass or in pots; let the leaves die down naturally after flowering so the bulb can feed for next year.
- Paired leaves marbled purple-brown and single nodding pink flowers with sharply swept-back petals in spring. The name comes from the white, pointed bulb, shaped like a dog’s canine tooth. Plant the bulbs promptly: they die if they dry out.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lily Lilium
- Tulip Tulipa gesneriana
- Crown imperial Fritillaria imperialis
- Toad lily Tricyrtis hirta
- Snake’s head fritillary Fritillaria meleagris
- Madonna lily Lilium candidum
- Regal lily Lilium regale
- Easter lily Lilium longiflorum