Trout lilies (Erythronium albidum) are often called “dog-tooth violets” which is a bit perplexing as this plant is a member of the lily family, having no relationship to violets. The common name, Trout Lily, is derived from the mottled leaves that some think resembles the markings on a trout. Trout lilies may be found statewide in Illinois. They primarily spread through underground rhizomes forming large colonies or clumps of plants. Trout lilies flower from April through May and when they do, they create stunning drifts of white throughout our woodlands and fields.
Trout lilies play an important role in our ecosystem. First, they are considered important to the woodland community because the large colonies they form serve as a stabilizer for the forest floor. The flower is a food source to our wildlife like the deer who takes a liking towards their basal leaves. And, it is an important food source for Queen Bees who are in desperate need of pollen for food in the very early spring.
Specific to Trout lilies and their relationship to bees, trout lilies are visited by an oligolectic bee (Andrena erythronii). “Oligolectic” means this bee has a narrow, specialized pollen preference, typically for the pollen of a single genus of plant. The species name of this bee, erythronii, refers to the genus of trout lily, Erythronium. If that is not co-evolution at its finest! While Trout lilies have specialized pollinators associated with them, several different pollinators will also visit, including other native bees and many species of flies.
