Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Erythronium grandiflorum is a species of flowering plant in the lily family which is known by several common names, including yellow avalanche lily, glacier lily, and dogtooth fawn lily. It is native to western North America from California to Alberta to New Mexico. It can be found in subalpine mountain meadows, slopes, and clearings. The plant grows from a deep bulb which is 3 to 5 centimeters wide. Its two green leaves are wavy-edged and up to 20 centimeters long. The stalk may reach 30 centimeters tall and bears one to three showy flowers. Each flower has bright lemon yellow petals, white stamens with large white to yellow to red anthers, and a white style. The flower is pollinated by bumblebees and other bees. The bulbs are an important and preferred food of the grizzly bear. Mule deer readily eat the foliage.

Plant type

Perennial herb, Geophyte

Size

8 in Tall

Calscape icon
Color

Yellow, White, Red

Flowering season

Spring, Summer

Sun

Partial Shade

Water

Low

Ease of care

Moderate

Propagation

For propagating by seed: 31/2-4 mos. stratification.

Sunset Zones

1, 2, 3

Site type

meadows

Plant communities

Douglas-Fir Forest, Yellow Pine Forest