About

Erythronium propullans, the Minnesota dwarf trout lily, Minnesota adder's tongue or Minnesota fawnlily, is a rare plant endemic to the Cannon River and North Fork Zumbro River watersheds in Rice County, Goodhue County and the extreme northern edge of Steele County, Minnesota, in the United States. The plant is closely related to the white trout lily (Erythronium albidum) and is believed to have evolved less than 9,000 years ago. It was listed as an endangered species of the United States under the Endangered Species Act in 1986.

The plants flower in the spring at the same time as hepaticas, Dutchman's breeches, bloodroot, and other spring wildflowers. Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park, River Bend Nature Center, and several tracts owned by The Nature Conservancy protect portions of its habitat.

Where it grows

Erythronium propullans is found only in two counties in Minnesota (the only strictly endemic plant species in the state.) It is typically a woodland species most commonly found on north-facing slopes above or near streambeds. It is found in areas with dense shade in the summer, but completes its growing period early in the year before trees are fully leafed out.

Other Erythronium plants

White fawnlily · Dogtooth violet · California fawnlily · Caucasian Dog's Tooth Violet · Cream fawnlily · Dog's-tooth-violet · Coast Range fawnlily · Yellow avalanche-lily · Pacific fawnlily · Henderson's fawnlily · Howell's fawnlily · Erythronium idahoense