White Fawn Lily
erythronium albidum
Also known as: ["Adder's Tongue","Dog's Tooth Violet"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with nodding, white flowers and mottled leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Erythronium |
| Botanical Name: | Erythronium albidum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: woodland garden or shaded rock garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter; loamy or sandy loam is ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed after flowering; remove dead foliage in fall or winter.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on tidiness and removing spent parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 4–6 hours of morning sunlight or dappled light is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to increased light; protect from intense midday sun; place in a location with filtered light or morning sun only.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Use shade cloth if needed; monitor for leaf scorch; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; adjust frequency based on season and weather.
Soil
moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure soil is loose and crumbly; maintain consistent moisture during growth.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures; ideal range 50–70°F (10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions during summer dormancy.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid burning roots; use a low-nitrogen formula; stop fertilizing in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or seed propagation; division is faster but reduces the number of plants over time.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide bulbs carefully, ensuring each has roots.
- Plant at the same depth as the parent.
- Sow seeds thinly and cover lightly.
Best Time: Divide bulbs in late summer or early fall after dormancy; sow seeds in fall for natural stratification.
Environment
Cool, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite; for seeds, use a seed-starting mix with vermiculite.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Bulbs may flower in 1–2 years after division; seeds can take 2–3 years to flower.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, trowel, bulb separator, seed tray, watering can.
Quick Tips
Divide only when bulbs are crowded; use fresh seed for best germination; protect young seedlings from extreme conditions.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; trim dead leaves carefully to avoid damaging the bulb.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb energy storage; remove dead or damaged foliage as needed.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors; gloves.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; trim dead foliage; avoid cutting into the bulb itself.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, during dormancy.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger if repotting; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old or damaged ones; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 3–4 years; avoid disturbing the bulbs unnecessarily.
Checklist
Check for crowded bulbs; use fresh soil; maintain original planting depth; ensure proper drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust for seasonal needs.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; water until the soil is moist but not waterlogged; ensure excess water drains away to prevent standing water.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water regularly during active growth in spring, reducing frequency in summer dormancy; avoid overwatering during dormancy to prevent rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or leaf mold for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; ensure good aeration around bulbs.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; rot or mold in cold, damp conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage or dormancy issues; frost can damage foliage if not protected.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from frost with a cover; ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging in cold.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, or premature dormancy; may struggle in high temperatures above 80°F (27°C).
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity around the plant; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid dormant period; monitor for signs of over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize once in early spring during active growth; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicErythronium albidum is slightly toxic to cats, primarily causing gastrointestinal irritation. The plant's compounds can lead to mild digestive upset in felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicErythronium albidum can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested. The plant contains compounds that may irritate the digestive tract, leading to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicErythronium albidum is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its high fiber content and potential irritant properties.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Erythronium albidum?
A: Propagate by seed in fall or by dividing bulbs in late summer.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for this plant?
A: Prefers partial shade, moist, well-drained soil, and cool summers.
Q: Does this plant naturalize easily?
A: Yes, it can naturalize in suitable woodland settings over time.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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