Mt St Helena Fawm Lily
Erythronium helenae
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Pl. 5C65 — Erythronium helenae
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IOverview
Overview
The Mt St Helena Fawn Lily, scientifically known as Erythronium helenae, is a delicate herbaceous plant native to California's coastal regions. This member of the family Liliaceae thrives in partial sun and shade, requiring moist, light (sandy) to medium soil. Hardy from zones 4-8, it reaches a height of about 0.3 meters. Known for its edible root, which can be enjoyed when harvested carefully, this plant also adds ornamental value with its distinctive white or pinkish-white flowers. Its ability to grow in a variety of conditions makes it an interesting addition to gardens and natural landscapes alike.
Quick answers
What is Mt St Helena Fawm Lily?
The Mt St Helena Fawn Lily, scientifically known as Erythronium helenae, is a delicate herbaceous plant native to California's coastal regions. This member of the family Liliaceae thrives in partial sun and shade, requiring moist, light (sandy) to medium soil.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Mt St Helena Fawm Lily thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers moist conditions with well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It grows best in hardiness zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. For propagation, gardeners can divide the bulbs in early spring or fall. The edible parts are the roots, which can be harvested carefully to enjoy this native California plant's flavors while supporting its growth and sustainability.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mt St Helena Fawm Lily for the first time
8steps
Start with Mt St Helena Fawm Lily to gain experience in growing bulbs.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot, well-draining soil, and the Mt St Helena Fawm Lily bulbs.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when temperatures are cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a light, sandy mix. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Place bulbs 2-3 times their height deep in soil. Space them about 5 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial shade and keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
After flowering, allow leaves to yellow naturally before removing them. Do not harvest roots.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and exposing to full sun are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Mt St Helena Fawn Lily's root is edible and can be prepared in various ways. Typically, the root is dug up and eaten raw or cooked. It can also be dried for later use. Skip processing methods that involve complex preparation steps.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 1 native
Broader regions
native:California
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 5c65d50e-9933-46ee-8412-e951b4e3fbe0
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