• Other common names: Dogtooth Violet, Yellow Adder’s Tongue, Adder’s Tongue
• Family: Lily family — Liliaceae
• Distinctive features: The bright yellow flowers are among the first to bloom in the spring. Mottled small pointy leaves.
• Similar species: White Trout Lily
• Height: about 3-8″
• Flowers: Solitary yellow nodding flowers. Very photogenic.
• Leaves: one or two per plant. Stiff, upright, 3-8″ long. Mottled like a trout fish skin (hence the name).
• Stem: None, except for the flower.
• Habitat: Forests.
• Longevity: Perennial. Disappears by early summer, to reappear the next spring.
• Comments: Extremely photogenic flowers dapple the early spring woods with their beautiful yellow.

Edible parts:

I’ve eaten the leaves raw in salads and the corms (little bulbous root) raw as well.  The corms should be gathered before the bloom develops while they are still flush with nutrients.

Photos Below:

** First Time Forager?  Always forage wild edibles with an experienced guide!  If in doubt, leave it out.  Even very distinct plants have look a likes.