Avalanche-lily (Erythronium grandiflorum, Fl. Amer. Sept. 1: 231 (1813))

Family: Liliaceae

Author: Pursh

Bibliography: Fl. Amer. Sept. 1: 231 (1813)

Year: 1813

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Erythronium

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Canada to NW. California and N. New Mexico

Description

The Avalanche-lily, scientifically known as Erythronium grandiflorum, is a remarkable plant species belonging to the Liliaceae family. First described in 1813 by Frederick Pursh in Flora Americae Septentrionalis, this plant has since been recognized for its botanical significance and charming appearance.

Erythronium grandiflorum can predominantly be found in the wild expanses of western Canada, northwest California, and northern New Mexico. This perennial herb thrives in moist, alpine environments, often gracing the landscapes with its vibrant presence soon after the snow begins to melt.

Characterized by its large, showy flowers, the Avalanche-lily typically blossoms in early spring. The flowers exhibit a bright yellow hue with an inwardly curved structure, which can reach up to three centimeters in diameter. These blooms are accompanied by two lance-shaped leaves, which provide a lush, green backdrop to the delicate petals.

The plant’s growth habit allows it to take advantage of the short, early growing season, capturing the first rays of sunlight after winter and often carpeting the ground in stunning displays. Its ecological role is essential, as it provides a vital food source for pollinators emerging after the long, cold months.

Erythronium grandiflorum’s intrinsic beauty and ecological importance make it an integral component of the regions it inhabits. The plant’s ability to herald the arrival of spring has also earned it a cherished spot in the hearts of nature enthusiasts and botanists alike.

In summary, the Avalanche-lily, Erythronium grandiflorum, stands out not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its role in the ecosystems of western North America. With its striking yellow flowers and important biological function, it remains a celebrated species within the Liliaceae family.

Common Names

Eng: avalanche-lily, glacier-lily, yellow avalanche-lily, yellow glacier lily, glacier lily, yellow avalanche lily, yellow fawn lily
Swe: skredhundtandslilja
Nob: gulhundetann
Nno: gulhundetann
Fra: érythrone à grandes fleurs
En: Avalanche-lily, Glacier-lily, Yellow avalanche-lily, Yellow avalanchelily, Yellow glacier lily, Glacier lily, Yellow avalanche lily, Yellow fawn lily
Fr: Érythrone à grandes fleurs
Nb: Gulhundetann
Nn: Gulhundetann
Sv: Skredhundtandslilja

Synonyms

• Erythronium grandiflorum var. nudiflorum (C.L.Hitchc.)
• Erythronium grandiflorum var. pallidum (H.St.John)
• Erythronium nudipetalum (Applegate)
• Erythronium grandiflorum var. giganteum ((Lindl.) Hook.)
• Erythronium grandiflorum f. giganteum ((Lindl.) Voss)
• Erythronium obtusatum (Goodd.)
• Erythronium grandiflorum var. robustum (Tubergen)
• Erythronium grandiflorum var. minus (Hook.)
• Erythronium speciosum (Nutt. ex Baker)
• Erythronium grandiflorum var. parviflorum (S.Watson)
• Erythronium leptopetalum (Rydb.)
• Erythronium grandiflorum var. maculatum (A.Murray bis)
• Erythronium parviflorum ((S.Watson) Goodd.)
• Erythronium grandiflorum var. chrysandrum ((Applegate) Scoggan)
• Erythronium grandiflorum subsp. chrysandrum (Applegate)
• Erythronium utahense (Rydb.)
• Erythronium giganteum (Lindl.)
• Erythronium pallidum ((H.St.John) G.N.Jones)
• Erythronium maximum (Douglas ex Baker)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Apr 10, 2016 by EOL − hannahharris (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 23, 2009 by EOL − Miguel Vieira (cc-by)

Taken Apr 26, 2013 by EOL − Tony Frates (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − U.S. Forest Service (public)

Taken Apr 8, 2019 by Andrea Peh (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 15, 2020 by Yang Chen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 1971 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by Elizabeth Schueman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2020 by Yang Chen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2019 by Andrea Peh (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 18, 2021 by I Birn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Kurt Beerens (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2019 by Andrea Peh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2021 by MacG (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2021 by April April (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 7, 2000 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2752872)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:296483-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erythronium grandiflorum Pursh)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth