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Trout Lily Erythronium americanum & albidum has several common names, including Dog Tooth Violet and Adder’s Tongue. It is one of the earliest plants to emerge. In a warm year, leaves can be gathered as early as March.

I feel confident sharing this wild edible, because the plant’s dappled yellow and green leaves (reminiscent of a trout) are distinct.

Disclaimer:
If this is your first time experimenting with Trout Lily - or any wild edible - take the time to ensure that you will be able to digest the plant. Follow my article Edible and Natural: How Do I Know What Plants Are Safe to Eat? for a good method to follow. Some people report that Trout Lily has an emetic effect on them.

Notice the dappled leaf color. By the time the plant is this large, the leaves are best steamed. I place the leaves in a steamer, put it over water that has already come to a boil and cover it. You don’t need to leave it more than 1-2 minutes.

Remember that Trout Lily grows low to the ground in moist woods, often under dried leaves. Trout Lily leaves are basal, meaning they grow at the base of the plant. It takes slowing down and observing to notice the first tiny leaves. These are delicious raw.

Just before the flower buds open is a great time to gather roots. A gentle tug on the step, sometimes along with digging with fingertips will reveal delicious buds, which you can chop and sprinkle over a salad raw.

Once the flowers bloom, I use them raw in a salad.

Folklore:
I have not tested this plant for its medicinal qualities, but it is widely reported to have medicinal qualities. I have also read that traditional Cherokee people used it as a contraceptive.