They are perennial plant that grows in sunny deciduous broadleaf forest (perennial plant takes several years to grow), and there is a mass place at the southern part of Takao, where Erythronium japonicum grow in clusters. They grow up at forests before the leaves sprout as well as they wither to disappear before the other plants nurture. They are called ‘Spring Ephemeral’ and this plant is typical one of hills/fields grasses. The leaves are long elliptical shape about 6 to 12 cm with long stalk, usually two. Leaves are thick and soft and usually have violet patterns on its surface. One pale red flower bloom downward at the top of flower stalk (Kakei: stem of flower bearing only flowers without leaves). The flower has 6 petals, which are about 4 to 5 cm long and rolling upward widely. Their name ‘Erythronium japonicum’ (Katakuri) comes from how this plant was written as Katakagono-Hana in "Man-yo-shu", which is one of the most renowned collection of poems at 8th century. The underground stem contains much starch, which was made into Potato Starch.

●Season　　Late March to about Early April
●Height　　about 10 to 20 cm
●Place　　Minami-Takao,Kita-Takao