Tuolumne Dog Toothed Violet
From California, Erythronium tuolumnense is a yellow flowered species commonly called the Tuolumne fawn lily. It is endemic to Tuolumne county in California.
The foliage is a mid green and the bright yellow flowers that appear on reddish green stems in late winter to spring have recurved petals that add extra interest. Flowering in early to mid spring depending on the climate zone this is a species that sends up multiple flower spikes
Tall growing to around 30cm (1ft) in height, this is a species that has been widely used in hybridisation and is a Pagoda type. This species also has larger foliage than most due to ist natural habitat on shaded areas.
It will increase through multiplication of the bulbs to form an attractive clump in the garden or in a container. Division is the easiest form of propagation, although you could also collect seed.
How to grow Erythronium tuolumnense – Basic Care
Best grown where it receives full sun in winter to spring and shade in summer. A position beneath a deciduous tree and in a humus rich well drained soil is ideal.
This is a frost hardy bulb and is also very easy to grow and low care in the right conditions.
Like most Erythronium species it does perform better in a climate where the winters are cool.
- Position/Sun
In cooler climates this is a bulb that will grow in full sun, in its natural habitat it grows best in light afternoon shade.
The foliage is fairly soft and this is a fairly tall growing species, so a position away from strong winds is also recommended. - Soil
A soil with a fairly neutral pH is suitable. Dig in lots of compost and leaf mold before planting along with some aged cow manure. - Planting Depth
The bulbs or rhizomes are best planted at around 6 – 8 cm deep. - Watering
Like all of the species it prefers a soil that does not dry out completely over summer, so watering over dry periods in summer will be required. - Fertiliser
After flowering and the foliage has died back, fertilise with a mix of aged cow manure and good garden mulch. - Summer Survival
Although Erythronium tuolumnense will survive fairly dry summers if grown in the ground, it does not like the soil to dry completely, and does resent the soil warming up too much.
To avoid problems, we suggest a shaded position over summer to provide a cool soil as well as a good layer of mulch to moderate soil temperature.
Where To Buy
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au
Propagation
Erythronium will set seed in good condition and should be encouraged to do so. You can either collect the seed and sow it into pots, or let the plants self seed.If you can successfully grow more plants from your own seed over time the strongest that suit your climate will survive and you will establish a good patch of these wonderful little plants.