Erythronium oregonum

Dog tooth violet

Herbaceous Bulb / Corm / Tuber, Perennial

Erythronium oregonum, commonly known as Dogtooth Violet, is a beautiful, early-blooming, perennial native to the Pacific Northwest. This bulbous plant is a welcome addition to any woodland garden or naturalized area.

Dogtooth Violet typically grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches, with attractive, narrow, green leaves that emerge in late winter. In early to mid-spring, it produces showy, yellow, bell-shaped flowers, providing a splash of color before most other plants have begun to bloom.

This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, thriving in woodland settings under deciduous trees or shrubs. It's also known to naturalize easily, spreading to form colonies over time.

Dogtooth Violet is relatively low-maintenance and generally deer-resistant. Once established, this charming native plant requires little care. It is best to let the foliage die back naturally after blooming and to avoid watering during the summer months. Like its native habitat, Dogtooth Violet prefers to dry out completely during the summer.

Growing Conditions

Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Exposure: Part Sun, Full Shade, Part Shade

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Low, Low Water / No Water, Winter Wet / Summer Dry

Description

Size: 8" - 20" tall x 6" - 20" wide
Shape / Form: Upright, Clumping
Foliage Texture: Medium
Foliage Quality: Medium

Features: Native Plant, Flowers



Flower Color: Yellow
Bloom Season: Spring, Late Winter / Early Spring


Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Habitat, Naturalize
Special Situations: Winter Wet / Summer Dry
Wildlife: Bees, Butterflies, Pollinators

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Spring, Late Winter / Early Spring
Position / Role: front of border, matrix / mingler, finishing touches
Plant Behavior: Re-seeds in some conditions

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: medium

Suitable Substitutes