Erythronium grandiflorum

Erythronium grandiflorum, also known as the Yellow avalanche lily or Glacier lily, is a species of flowering plant in the Liliaceae family. It is native to North America, where it is found in mountainous regions from British Columbia to California and east to Montana and Wyoming.

Description

The Erythronium grandiflorum is a perennial herb that grows from a bulb. It produces two leaves that are 10-20 cm long and 2-3 cm wide. The leaves are mottled with brown or purple. The plant produces one or two flowers on a stem that is 10-30 cm tall. The flowers are yellow, with six tepals that are 3-6 cm long. The fruit is a capsule that is 2-3 cm long.

Habitat and Distribution

Erythronium grandiflorum is found in subalpine meadows and on slopes with well-drained soil. It is often found in areas with a heavy snowpack. The species is distributed from British Columbia in Canada, south to California and Nevada, and east to Montana and Wyoming in the United States.

Cultivation

The Erythronium grandiflorum is cultivated as an ornamental plant. It prefers a cool, shady location with well-drained soil. The bulbs should be planted in the fall, 10-15 cm deep. The plant requires a period of cold dormancy in the winter.

Uses

The bulbs of the Erythronium grandiflorum were traditionally used as a food source by Native American tribes. They were usually cooked or dried for storage. The plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

Conservation

The Erythronium grandiflorum is not currently considered to be at risk. However, like all wildflowers, it is protected in many areas and should not be collected without permission.

References

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