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The blooms of the yellow trout lily, also called “adder’s tongue” and “dogtooth violet,” usually appear in late April. With its yellow flowers, curling petals and mottled leaves, it is easy to identify. The name “trout lily” is derived from the fact that its speckled leaves resemble the colouring on brook trout. The trout lily is called an ephemeral species, meaning that all its above-ground parts disappear by the end of June, as if they had never existed. When you see a trout lily in bloom, remember that the plant before you is at least ten years old.