Erythronium citrinum
S.Watson
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(c) Dayne Galash, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Dayne Galash
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(c) Daniel Palmer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), uploaded by Daniel Palmer
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Dayne Galash, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Dayne Galash
Summary
Source: WikipediaErythronium citrinum, also known as citrus fawn lily or cream fawn lily, is a member of the lily family that is endemic to the Klamath Mountains. It is found in southwest Oregon and adjacent northwest California. The genus Erythronium, which can be found across northern North America, Europe and Asia, is most diverse in California, which is home to fifteen of about twenty-eight members of the genus.
Description
A bulb growing 30 cm tall, not frost tender. Flowers bloom April to May with seed ripening June to July. Hermaphroditic, it grows in light sandy or medium loamy well-drained soil across mildly acidic to basic pH ranges. Suitable for semi-shaded light woodland with moist soil.
Edible Uses
Based on use recorded for the closely related E. origonum, the bulb is likely edible raw, cooked, or dried for later use. The corms are slender, 4–7cm long and 15mm thick.
Traditional Uses
Root,
This uses section is brief — help expand it
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.
Where It Grows
NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Oregon, California)
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. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. Bulbs should be planted about 7cm deep. This species is closely related to E. helenae, E. origonum, E. californicum 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
Production
A bulb plant.
References (2)
- Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 95
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
