Erythronium americanum Trout lily (Liliaceae)

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Erythronium americanum
Trout lily
(1 Page of 5)

The Erythronium americanum plant species is found in Eastern N. America - New Brunswick to Florida, west to Ontario and Arkansas. It is a member of the Liliaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Trout lily.

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Latin Name:  Erythronium americanum
Common Name:  Trout lily
Family:  Liliaceae
Author:  Ker-Gawl.

Known Hazards:  Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, the following notes have been seen for another member of this genus and so some caution is advised. Skin contact with the bulbs has been known to cause dermatitis in sensitive people[65].

Mature Height:  0.2   Mature Width:  0.08

Habitat:  Meadows and rich damp open woodland[4, 43].

Medicinal Information: All parts of the plant, but especially the bulb and the fresh leaves, are strongly emetic and are not used internally[4]. The fresh leaves are also antiscrophulatic and emollient and are used as an infusion or stimulating poultice applied to swellings, tumors and scrophulous ulcers[4, 106, 254]. The juice from crushed leaves has been applied to wounds that are not healing[257]. A poultice of the crushed bulbs has been applied to swellings and to help remove splinters[257]. The raw plant, excluding the roots, has been used by native North American young girls to prevent conception[257].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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