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Prairie trout-lily
Scientific Name: Erythronium
mesochroreum Knerr
Common Names: prairie trout-lily; prairie dog-tooth-violet
Description: Prairie trout-lily is very similar to white
trout-lily and has been treated as a variety of that species by some botanists
in the past. It differs in having leaves
which are narrower, often folded, and generally less mottled, as well as tepals
(undifferentiated petals and sepals) that are not as reflexed (abruptly bent backwards). Its fruiting stems droop, with the fruit usually
resting on the ground.
Habitat/Geography: Prairie trout-lily generally grows in
prairies, glades, and dry, open woodlands of the Southern and Midwestern Plains
of the United States.
It is reported from several counties in central and northwestern Arkansas.
Notes: Prairie trout-lily is purportedly
well-adapted to prairie fires. Since
prairie trout-lily is restricted to rather specific and somewhat rare habitats
in the state, and since a relatively few number of populations are known, it is
currently treated as an element of conservation concern by the Arkansas Natural
Heritage Commission. There is some
debate, however, as to the correct classification of Arkansas populations. Many plants currently referred to as prairie
trout-lily are actually somewhat intermediate with white trout-lily, often
having wider and mottled leaves. Further
study of white-flowered Arkansas
trout-lily populations is warranted.
Prairie trout-lily growing in dry upland-woods in Benton County. Photos by Lynn Rogers.
Written by: Brent Baker
Update Date:
February, 16 2010