Tuolumne Fawn Lily
Erythronium tuolumnense
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Pl. 7B0B — Erythronium tuolumnense
Erythronium tuolumnenseErythronium tuolumnenseErythronium tuolumnenseErythronium tuolumnenseErythronium tuolumnenseErythronium tuolumnenseErythronium tuolumnenseErythronium tuolumnenseErythronium tuolumnenseErythronium tuolumnenseErythronium tuolumnenseErythronium tuolumnenseErythronium tuolumnenseErythronium tuolumnense
IOverview
Overview
Tuolumne Fawn Lily (Erythronium tuolumnense) is a native California plant that thrives in partial sun to shade with moist conditions. This small herbaceous forb grows up to 0.3 meters tall and is known for its edible root, which can be harvested for culinary use. The plant's light requirements, soil preference for light to medium textures, and hardiness range of zones 4-9 make it well-suited for gardens in cooler climates. One distinctive feature of Tuolumne Fawn Lily is its delicate, nodding white flowers with a touch of pink that appear in early spring, adding ornamental value to the landscape.
Quick answers
What is Tuolumne Fawn Lily?
Tuolumne Fawn Lily (Erythronium tuolumnense) is a native California plant that thrives in partial sun to shade with moist conditions. This small herbaceous forb grows up to 0.3 meters tall and is known for its edible root, which can be harvested for culinary use.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Tuolumne Fawn Lily thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It is hardy from zones 4-9, making it suitable for temperate regions. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. The plant grows up to 0.3 meters tall and can be propagated through division of the root in early spring or fall. Harvest edible roots carefully when mature.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-9
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Tuolumne Fawn Lily for the first time
8steps
Start with Tuolumne Fawn Lily to gain experience in growing native California plants.
- 1
What you'll need
Tuolumne Fawn Lily bulbs, well-draining soil mix, a small trowel.
- 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 light, sandy soil with good drainage. Ensure containers have holes for water to escape.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 2-3 inches deep and about twice their width apart in the garden or pot.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Avoid direct sunlight during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially if it's hot and dry. Mulch to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
After flowering, allow leaves to yellow naturally before removing them to store energy for next year’s growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough shade, neglecting to mulch.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Tuolumne Fawn Lily's root is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. Typically, the root is dug up in early spring when it is tender and more palatable. It can also be dried for later use. Skip the preparation details to maintain simplicity.
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 · 7b0be97f-f14b-4d2c-934c-a1e11dcdcc4a
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