Dog's-Tooth Violet (Erythronium dens-canis)

Family: Liliaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Erythronium dens-canis is a BULB growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked and used as a vegetable. It can be dried to make a flour and is also the source of a starch used in making 'vermicelli' and cakes. Leaves - cooked. — Bulb - raw or cooked and used as a vegetable.; It can be dried to make a flour and is also the source of a starch used in making 'vermicelli' and cakes.; Eating the leaves will greatly reduce the vigour of the bulb, so can only be recommended in times of emergency.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods, scrub and mountain grassland, to 1700 metres. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)