Erythronium californicum

Purdy

Fawn lily

Liliaceae Edible: Root Potential hazards — see below 1,004 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Source: Wikipedia

Erythronium californicum, the California fawn lily, is a species of flowering plant in the family Liliaceae, endemic to moist woodland habitats in the mountains of Northern California.

Description

A bulb plant. It forms clumps. It grows 15-45 cm high and 10-15 cm wide. The leaves are dark glossy green. They are heavily mottled. The flowers are cream. These have orange-brown markings at the centre. There can be 3 flowers on a stem.

Edible Uses

Based on use recorded for the closely related E. origonum, the bulb — which is 35–50mm long — is likely edible raw, cooked, or dried for later use.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, the following notes have been seen for another member of this genus and so some caution is advised. Skin contact with the bulbs has been known to cause dermatitis in sensitive people.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It suits hardiness zones 4-9.

Where It Grows

Australia, North America, Tasmania, USA,

Cultivation

Prefers slightly acid soil conditions but succeeds in chalky soils if these contain plenty of humus. Requires semi-shade, preferably provided by trees or shrubs, and a well-drained soil. Succeeds in almost any light soil, preferring one that is rich in humus. This species is hardy to at least -15°c. Plants are growing and spreading well in the light shade of a woodland garden at Kew. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value, though some of these are also more valuable as food plants since they spread well in Britain. Bulbs should be planted about 7cm deep. Closely related to E. helenae, E. origonum, E. citrinum and E. howellii.

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a shady position in a cold frame. Water lightly in summer; it should germinate in autumn or winter. Stored seed requires a period of cold stratification and should be sown as early in spring as possible in a cold frame. Sow thinly so that seedlings will not need pricking out in their first year. Give an occasional liquid feed to prevent nutrient deficiency. When plants are dormant, pot up the small bulbs 2–3 per pot and grow on in a shady position in the greenhouse for a further 2–3 years before planting out into permanent positions when dormant in late summer. When dividing bulbs in summer as the leaves die down, larger bulbs can be replanted immediately into permanent positions, while smaller bulbs are best potted up and grown on in a shady position in a greenhouse for a year before planting out when dormant in late summer.

Other Uses

None known

Notes

There are about 22 Erythronium species.

References (6)

Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 563
Fl. & Sylva 2:253. 1904
Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 95
Joyce, D., 1998, The Garden Plant Selector. Ryland, Peters and Small. p 290
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

Show all 6 references