Trout Lily! Everywhere!

Yesterday, when we went to walk our new 12 acres we just closed on in Roxboro, we noticed these tiny unusual plants along Mayo Creek, which runs one entire length of the property. I was so taken with their unusual foliage. The flowers were already spent so I was eager to find out what they would look like. Plant Delights sells these for $12 each!

Erythronium umbilicatum

Trout Lily
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 6-9, at least 4" tall Origin: USA

(2nd photo is Spring Beauty which was everywhere, as well)

"This Southeast US (WV south to FL) native spring ephemeral is a prized woodland wildflower. The 2" long ground-hugging, light green, freeze-resistant leaves are heavily covered with chocolate blotching. In early March, the clumps are topped with 4" stalks, each ending with large downward facing bright yellow flowers with a chocolate back. Although they go dormant by late spring, trout lilies continue to grow underground, and in a few years you should expect a 10" wide patch. Evenly moist woodland soils are best, although some drought in the dormant season isn't deleterious."

It may have been a misprint, but we have a 10 FOOT wide patch! I can't tell you how excited this makes me to learn more about the flora flourishing at the new house!