The clustered tubers of Dutchman’s Breeches are even pinker than the pantaloons that hang on swaying lines in the spring breezes. They are near the surface of the soil and send up lacy green foliage very early. Another early spring bloomer is the Dogstooth-Violet, Erythronium. One usually has to dig down deeply to find the corm. Compare it and the closed blossom and then decide whether the name Dogstooth was given it because of the shape of the bulbous root or because of the shape of the closed blossoms. Perhaps you will look at its mottled foliage (although some have plain green foliage) and decide to call it Deer Tongue, another of its common names. It is really a member of the Lily Family and not a violet at all.

What Does A “Mons Tillier” Tea Rose Look Like?