Trout-lily
Erythronium americanum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Trout-lily (Erythronium americanum) is a spring ephemeral wildflower native to eastern North America, blooming yellow flowers in April and May before going dormant.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–8" H × 3"–6" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, CT, DE, GA and 24 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Trout-lily is a charming early spring wildflower that produces single yellow blooms and distinctive mottled leaves. This low-growing native emerges in April, blooms briefly, then goes dormant by early summer, leaving bare ground for most of the growing season.
Growing Trout-lily
Grow Trout-lily in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 8 inches tall and spread 3 to 6 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Trout-lily takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Completely disappears by summer leaving bare patches
- Very brief bloom period
- Appears weedy or dead for most of the year
Wildlife value
The early spring flowers provide nectar for emerging bees and flies when few other food sources are available.
Common questions
- When does Trout-lily bloom?
- Trout-lily blooms in April and May, producing nodding yellow flowers before the forest canopy leafs out.
- What pollinators visit Trout-lily?
- Trout-lily flowers are visited by various bees and flies that help with pollination during the early spring blooming period.
- Where is Trout-lily native?
- Trout-lily is native to eastern North America, from Maine south to Georgia and west to Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri.
- Why is it called Trout-lily?
- The common name refers to the mottled brown and green markings on the leaves that resemble the markings on trout fish.
- Is Trout-lily HOA-friendly?
- Trout-lily takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Trout-lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz