Dimpled Trout Lily, sometimes called "dog-tooth violet," is the common Trout Lily in central North Carolina. Much rarer is the American Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum). The anthers are usually lavender-brown in E. umbilicatum, yellow in americanum, though this is not a reliable character. Bloom time is later in American (late March-April), earlier in Dimpled (early-mid March), though the dates may overlap.

Orange Co., NC 3/20/10.

Orange Co., NC 3/11/2012.

Ripening fruits grow too heavy for the stalk and touch the ground.

Durham Co., NC 3/25/2012.

Comparison of Dimpled Trout Lily (Erythronium umbilicatum) (left) and American Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum) (right). The Dimpled Trout Lily has a dimple where the style attaches to the ovary; the style does not persist on the fruit. American lacks the dimple and has a persistent style.

Durham Co., NC 3/25/2012.

Durham Co., NC 3/25/2012.

Durham Co., NC 3/25/2012.