Yellow Avalanche Lily
erythronium grandiflorum
Also known as: ["Yellow Fawn Lily","Dog's Tooth Violet"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to western North America, known for its nodding yellow flowers and lance-shaped leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Erythronium |
| Botanical Name: | Erythronium grandiflorum |
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: Well-draining, humus-rich soil with some sand or grit; mimics natural woodland conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; remove spent flower stalks after blooming.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; only remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates; adjust to avoid scorching in intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn; place in dappled shade during peak summer hours; for indoor plants, use a sheer curtain to filter intense light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full morning sun
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging during dormancy.
Soil
well-draining, humus-rich soil with some moisture retention
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is loose and airy; avoid heavy clay; maintain consistent moisture without saturation.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–65°F (10–18°C) during active growth; tolerate winter cold but require protection from extreme heat.
Keep away from heat sources in winter; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures to avoid shock.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and early summer
Fertilize sparingly to prevent bulb burn; apply after watering to reduce root shock; stop feeding in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common; division of bulbs can also be done after dormancy.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds surface.
- Keep moist and cool.
- Divide bulbs carefully.
- Replant at same depth.
Best Time: Sow seeds in late summer or early fall; divide bulbs in late summer after foliage dies back.
Environment
Cool temperatures (50–60°F or 10–15°C) with high humidity for seeds; indirect light for bulbs.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or bulb fiber; add perlite for aeration.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds; bulb division does not need hormone treatment.
Timeline
Seeds may take 1–2 years to germinate and several years to flower; bulb division yields quicker results, often flowering the next season.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, pots, sharp knife, gloves, watering can.
Quick Tips
Label seed trays; use fresh seed; handle bulbs gently during division.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip dead foliage at the base; cut flower stalks just above the bulb.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and aesthetics.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Check for dead foliage; use clean tools; prune after flowering; avoid cutting healthy leaves.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after foliage dies back and before winter dormancy.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger if repotting; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; replant at original depth in fresh, well-draining mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 3–4 years; avoid disturbing bulbs during active growth.
Checklist
Check for crowded bulbs; use fresh soil; maintain planting depth; ensure drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal risk; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in summer dormancy; avoid watering in winter unless soil is extremely dry.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or leaf mold for fertility; incorporate sand or perlite for drainage; top-dress with organic matter annually.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting or yellowing leaves in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress; mold or rot in overly warm, humid conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes; frost can damage tender foliage; prolonged cold may inhibit flowering or cause bulb rot.
Solution: Mulch bulbs heavily in fall; protect from frost with row covers or cloches; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, bud drop, or premature dormancy; high humidity combined with heat may lead to fungal diseases.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency but avoid waterlogging; use mulch to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply at base; fertilize only in growing season; avoid contact with foliage.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply once in early spring as growth begins; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicErythronium grandiflorum is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain known toxic substances that would harm felines upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to cats
Dogs
Non-toxicErythronium grandiflorum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases or studies indicating that this plant poses a risk to canine health when ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to dogs
Humans
Non-toxicErythronium grandiflorum is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant does not produce known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to humans
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Erythronium grandiflorum?
A: Propagation is typically done by seed or division of bulbs in late summer or early fall.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for this plant?
A: It thrives in partial shade with well-drained, humus-rich soil and regular moisture.
Q: Does this plant naturalize easily?
A: Yes, it can naturalize in suitable conditions, spreading slowly over time to form small colonies.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full morning |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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