Pale Fawn Lily
Erythronium citrinum
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Pl. 7DAF — Erythronium citrinum
Erythronium citrinumErythronium citrinumErythronium citrinumErythronium citrinumErythronium citrinumErythronium citrinumErythronium citrinumErythronium citrinumErythronium citrinumErythronium citrinumErythronium citrinumErythronium citrinumErythronium citrinumErythronium citrinum
IOverview
Overview
Pale Fawn Lily (Erythronium citrinum) is a delicate herbaceous plant native to the forests of California and Oregon. It thrives in partial sun to shade, requiring moist, light (sandy) to medium soil. Known for its edible root, this lily adds a unique touch to wild edibles. One distinctive feature is its pale yellow flowers, which resemble small fawn-colored lilies, hence the common name. Its light requirements and growing conditions make it an interesting addition to shaded gardens or naturalized areas in cooler climates.
Quick answers
What is Pale Fawn Lily?
Pale Fawn Lily (Erythronium citrinum) is a delicate herbaceous plant native to the forests of California and Oregon. It thrives in partial sun to shade, requiring moist, light (sandy) to medium soil. Known for its edible root, this lily adds a unique touch to wild edibles.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pale Fawn Lily thrives in partial sun to shade and requires moist, light to medium soil. It is native to California and Oregon and can grow up to 0.3 meters tall. For propagation, the edible root can be divided or new plants can be started from seed. This plant is hardy in temperate regions.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Pale Fawn Lily for the first time
7steps
Start with Pale Fawn Lily to gain experience in growing bulbs and perennials.
- 1
What you'll need
Pale Fawn Lily bulbs, a small trowel, mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is cool and moist.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 2-3 inches deep, spacing them about 4-6 inches apart in the garden or a pot.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist. Avoid direct sunlight during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil dries out, especially during dry spells. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
After flowering, cut back spent blooms but leave foliage intact for photosynthesis until it yellows naturally.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Pale Fawn Lily's root is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. Typically, the roots are harvested in the fall after the plant has gone dormant. They can also be dried for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 2 native
Broader regions
native:California, Oregon
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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