My favorite non-native/native bulb


There is an Audubon preserve a bit south of us that is carpeted with ramps, fiddleheads, and erythronium Americanum (trout lily) at this time of year. Oddly, the erythronium in my garden are not this native Northeastern variety; I do best with the “Pagoda” cultivar. I also have the revolutum and the tuolemnense (above). I had the European dens-canis at first, but this faltered and disappeared pretty quickly.


I would love to see an entire bed with nothing in it but yellow erythronium and brunnera. Its beauty wouldn’t last very long—erythronium have a relatively short season, leaving the brunnera to carry one for a bit longer—but it would be glorious.


The native Americanum is now offered for sale at an area nursery; its mottled foliage is interesting, though not as big and glossy as the “Pagoda.” For crazy spring foliage though, you really can’t beat tulipa gregii, which is intertwined with the erythronium here. (I have a carefree attitude about bulb planting; I really don’t pay too much attention to what I had planted in the same spot before.)

The other silly nickname for erythronium is dog’s tooth violet. The bulb (which no one sees) is supposedly shaped like a dog’s tooth; I guess they call it a violet because it blooms as the same time. This is why I like botanical names.

Comments

These photos show how natives can be as decorative in the garden as many other plants. Lovely lilies.
Those are really beautiful and I agree, a planting with nothing but them and brunnera would be spectacular. I'm so happy I was able to see your garden last summer - I can picture where everything is now.
Tea said…
These are lovely!

Tea
xo
Commonweeder said…
Your idea of a trout lily and brunnera bed is lovely.I love the term spring ephemerals - a reminder that evreything in the garden lasts for such a short period. In the scheme of things.
Gail said…
There are hillsides with the native trout lily in nearby parks. We have to walk there everyday or we'll miss their bloom. I usually miss them! gail
Rebecca said…
Elizabeth - a little off topic, but I'm hoping you can help me or direct me to someone who would know of a quaint bed and breakfast (reasonably priced) in one of the garden districts of Buffalo. My husband and I are visiting for the first time to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary during the week of July 10-14 or 15. Any help you can give me would be very much appreciated.

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