About
Erythronium multiscapideum, the Sierra fawn lily, is a multi-stemmed bulbous perennial from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, California, producing paired, attractively mottled leaves and one to several nodding, cream-white flowers with reflexed petals and a yellow centre per stem in spring. A charming and ornamental western American erythronium for moist, partly shaded conditions.
About the genus
Erythronium, the trout lilies or dog's-tooth violets, are bulbous woodland perennials with paired, often mottled, lance-shaped leaves and solitary or few-flowered racemes of nodding, reflexed-petal flowers in white, yellow, pink or mauve in spring. Excellent plants for moist, humus-rich, woodland conditions.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden
Native toOregon to British Columbia
ToxicityOrnamental bulbs, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationPlant 10cm deep in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial shade that does not dry out. Bulbs in storage must be kept slightly damp. See bulb cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free