Erythronium (Dog's-tooth Violets)

Erythronium’s nodding, lily-like flowers (March – May) provide early pollen for queen bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) and solitary bees (Osmia spp.), while their reflexed petals shield nectar from rain. The mottled leaves host larvae of the Cheilosia hoverfly, and ants disperse their seeds via lipid-rich elaiosomes, enriching soil ecosystems. Thriving in dappled woodland shade, they naturalise effortlessly alongside native bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), creating layered pollinator habitats. Though delicate, their bulbs are rodent-resistant, making them a resilient choice for wildlife gardens where squirrels browse.