The White Trout Lily, also known as the White Adder’s Tongue, is a species of lily native to North America. It is part of the genus Erythronium and is a perennial plant that grows from a bulb.
It is called the Trout Lily because its mottled leaves resemble the skin of a trout, and White Adder’s Tongue because its flowers resemble a snake’s tongue.
The plant typically blooms in the spring, producing one to three nodding, white, or yellowish-white flowers per stem. It is a woodland plant that prefers dappled shade and moist, humus-rich soil. It is considered an endangered species in some states and provinces.
How to Grow White Trout Lily from Seed?
White Trout Lily, also known as Erythronium albidum, is a slow-growing perennial that can be propagated by seed. Here is a general guide for growing White Trout Lily from seed:
- Collect seeds from the plant in the fall, when the seed capsules turn brown and start to split open. Clean the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place.
- In the spring, prepare seed trays or pots filled with a mix of equal parts seed compost and sand, and moisten the soil with water.
- Sow the White Trout Lily seeds on the surface of the soil and cover them with a thin layer of vermiculite or sieved compost.
- Place the trays or pots in a shaded area and cover them with a clear plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse.
- Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a temperature of around 15-20°C (60-68°F) until germination occurs, which may take several weeks or even months.
- Once the seedlings have germinated, remove the cover and place the tray or pots in a bright, but shaded place.
- When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into 7.5cm (3in) pots.
- Gradually acclimatize them to outdoor conditions for a few days before transplanting them into the garden, in a moist and partially shaded spot.
- White Trout Lily prefers humus-rich soil, so add organic matter such as well-rotted manure or leaf mold to the planting hole.
It’s worth noting that Erythroniums are slow-growing plants and it may take several years before the plants bloom. Also, it’s important to be aware of the conservation status of the White Trout Lily in your area, as it’s considered an endangered species in some states and provinces, and it’s illegal to collect them from the wild.
It’s important to be patient when growing White Trout Lily from seed, as it can take several years before they will bloom.
How to Care for White Trout Lily?
Here are some general tips for caring for White Trout Lily (Erythronium albidum):
- Soil: White trout lily prefers a humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. It is important to amend the soil with organic matter such as leaf mold or well-rotted manure before planting.
- Light: White trout lily prefers dappled shade and should be planted in an area that receives filtered sunlight.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
- Fertilizer: White trout lily does not require fertilization, but you can add a layer of well-rotted manure or compost around the base of the plants in the spring.
- Divide the bulbs: White trout lily can become overcrowded after a few years. To promote healthy growth, divide the bulbs every 3-4 years in the fall or early spring.
- Pests and Diseases: White trout lily is generally pest-free and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and stem rot if grown in poorly drained soils.
- Conservation: White trout lily is considered an endangered species in some states and provinces, it’s important to be aware of the conservation status of the White Trout Lily in your area and protect them from being over collected.
By following these care instructions, your White Trout Lily should thrive and produce beautiful flowers each spring.
Types of White Trout Lily?
White Trout Lily (Erythronium albidum) is a specific species of lily that is native to North America and known for its white or yellowish-white flowers. However, there are other species of Erythronium that are commonly called “Trout Lilies” and have similar cultural requirements and growing habits.
- Yellow Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum) also native to North America, has yellow flowers and mottled leaves.
- Dogtooth Violet (Erythronium dens-canis) is native to Europe and Asia, and has mottled leaves and white, pink, or yellow flowers.
- Glacier Lily (Erythronium grandiflorum) is native to the western United States and Canada and has yellow or white flowers and glossy leaves.
- Fawn Lily (Erythronium revolutum) is native to the Pacific coast of North America, and has pink, white or yellow flowers and mottled leaves.
All these species are generally considered to be slow-growing perennials, and can be propagated by seed or by dividing the bulbs. They prefer dappled shade and moist, humus-rich soil, and they bloom in the spring. However, it’s important to be aware of the conservation status of the species in your area, as some of them are considered endangered.
Pests and Diseases That Attack White Trout Lily
White Trout Lily (Erythronium albidum) is generally considered to be a hardy, pest-free and disease-resistant plant. However, under certain growing conditions, it can be affected by some pests and diseases. Here are a few common ones to watch out for:
- Slugs and snails: These pests can chew holes in the leaves and flowers of White Trout Lily. You can control them by using slug bait or by handpicking them from the plants.
- Fungal leaf spot: This fungal disease causes small, circular spots on the leaves of White Trout Lily. It can be controlled by practicing good sanitation by removing the infected leaves and by providing good air circulation around the plants.
- Root rot: This fungal disease occurs when the soil is too wet and poorly-drained, causing the roots of the plant to rot. It can be controlled by improving drainage and reducing watering.
- Botrytis: This fungal disease results in a gray mold on the leaves, flowers and stem of the plant. It’s especially prevalent when the weather is cool and humid. To prevent it, make sure your plants have good air circulation and remove any affected leaves or flowers.
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves of White Trout Lily, causing the foliage to yellow and wilt. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
It’s important to note that the best way to avoid pests and diseases is to keep your plants healthy by providing them with the right growing conditions, including proper light, water, and nutrition. Also, regularly inspecting the plant and removing any damaged leaves or flowers can help to minimize the spread of disease.
FAQs Related to White Trout Lily
Here are some frequently asked questions related to White Trout Lily (Erythronium albidum):
- How long does White Trout Lily take to bloom?
White trout lily typically blooms in the spring, usually in April or May, depending on the location and growing conditions.
- How long does White Trout Lily live?
White trout lily is a perennial plant that lives for several years. With proper care, they can continue to grow and bloom for many years.
- How much sun does White Trout Lily need?
White trout lily prefers dappled shade and should be planted in an area that receives filtered sunlight. They don’t tolerate full sun.
- How do I propagate White Trout Lily?
White trout lily can be propagated by seed, but it’s a slow process and it may take several years before the plants bloom. They can also be propagated by dividing the bulbs every 3-4 years in the fall or early spring.
- How often should I water White Trout Lily?
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Can White Trout Lily grow in containers?
White trout lily can be grown in containers as long as they are provided with well-draining soil.
