Erythronium

Today's the day ................... for more signs of spring

After the snowdrops are past their prime in the garden, this is always the next little plant that appears from nowhere to remind you that spring is really on its way.

There are lots of different varieties of Erythronium - also known as the fawn-lily, trout-lily, dog's-tooth violet, adder's-tongue - some of which are pinky purple like this one and others are a pale yellow.

The bulb is edible as a root vegetable, cooked or dried, and can be ground into flour. The leaves can also be cooked as a leaf vegetable. In Japan, Erythronium japonicum is called katakuri, and the bulb is processed to produce starch, which is used for food and other purposes ..........