Today’s Missouri woodland wildflower is a new one for me … my first time to witness this beauty. As I was leaving the wooded area across the road from my rural home, I just happened to see this small wildflower out of the corner of my eye and against a tree trunk. Upon closer inspection, I saw several of these wildflowers. At first, I wasn’t sure what I had found, but after searching several wildflower databases and books, I believe this to be a Dog-tooth Violet, also called a Trout Lily (Erythronium albidum), and if I am wrong, I welcome a correction. Here are a few of my favorite images:
This species is small but magnificent! The flowers are white to bluish-white on stems about 7-inches tall. They grow in rich woods, lowlands and along streams are found throughout the state. I think you will agree this is a wonderful wildflower to stumble across on a hike through the woods!