Erythronium dens-canis L.

A bulb plant. It grows 10-15 cm high and spreads 8-10 cm wide. The corm is similar in shape to a dog's tooth. The leaves are blue-green and strongly mottled with brown. The flowers are nodding. They vary in colour from purplish pink to white. The centre is usually yellow with a ring of orange-brown marks. The flowers are 5 cm across.

It can tolerate dryness in the summer. It can grow in bright sun or light shade. It needs well drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.

The bulbs are dried and then boiled with milk or broth. They are also used for starch used in vermicelli and cakes. The leaves are eaten boiled.

The corms are planted 8-10 cm deep and 15-20 cm apart. Plants can be propagated by division.