white dog's-tooth violet
Erythronium albidum
USDA zones2 to 8
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size6 to 12 inches tall3 to 6 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, winter
- Bloom color
- White with yellow
- Foliage color
- Green mottled with purple.
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
White dog's-tooth violet (Erythronium albidum) is a perennial for woodland gardens, naturalized areas, and ground cover. It is hardy to USDA zone 2, or down to -50°F (-46°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and dry to moist soil of most types. White bell-shaped flowers with yellow centers open in early to late spring and attract bees. The green leaves are mottled with purple. Plants multiply by offshoots and seed, but they can take up to six years to bloom.
Pairs well with American maidenhair fern, Bordeaux lily of the valley, and Sherwood Purple phlox.
Native range
Eastern North America.