Tuolumne Fawn Lily
erythronium tuolumnense
Also known as: ["Tuolumne Trout Lily","Tuolumne Dog's-tooth Violet"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to California, known for its nodding, lily-like flowers and mottled foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Erythronium |
| Botanical Name: | Erythronium tuolumnense |
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":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot; avoid heavy clay soils.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining, humus-rich soil with organic matter like leaf mold or compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed after flowering; remove yellowing leaves in late summer.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; avoid cutting into the bulb or healthy foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 4–6 hours of filtered or morning sunlight, especially in cooler conditions.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; ideal placement is under deciduous trees or in a shaded garden bed.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct midday sun; provide dappled light; monitor for leaf scorch.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water at the base to avoid foliage; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering during dormancy.
Soil
moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of loam, peat, and sand; ensure soil is loose and crumbly; avoid waterlogging.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions during active growth.
Keep cool in summer; protect from frost; avoid extreme fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season
Fertilize sparingly; use a bulb-specific formula; apply before active growth begins.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation or division of bulbs; seeds take longer but produce more genetically diverse plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect seeds or divide bulbs.
- Sow seeds shallowly or replant bulbs at the same depth.
- Keep moist and shaded.
Best Time: Late summer to early fall for bulb division; spring for seed sowing after dormancy break.
Environment
Cool, shaded environment with consistent moisture for seeds; bulbs prefer well-drained soil and partial shade.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for seeds; bulb division requires minimal disturbance.
Hormone
Not typically required for bulb division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Bulbs may flower in 1–2 years; seeds can take 2–4 years to flower.
Tools Needed
Hand trowel, sharp knife (for division), seed trays, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Sow seeds in fall for natural cold stratification; divide bulbs only when overcrowded.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base after blooming; gently pull away dead leaves.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing spent flower stalks and dead foliage to maintain tidiness.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors for flower stalks.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; clear dead foliage; avoid damaging bulbs.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall when bulbs are dormant but soil is still workable.
Pot Size
Use the same size pot if dividing; increase pot size by 1–2 inches if repotting a larger clump.
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 overcrowded or every 3–4 years; avoid disturbing healthy bulbs unnecessarily.
Checklist
Check for overcrowding; use fresh soil; replant at original depth; water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce in summer.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture at the root zone; avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply during active growth (spring) and reduce frequency in summer dormancy; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or stunted growth in excessive heat; rot or failure to emerge in cold or waterlogged soil.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage or dormancy issues if combined with excessive moisture.
Solution: Ensure well-drained soil; mulch lightly in winter; protect from frost in colder climates.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf burn, or premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but infrequently.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid summer feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue in summer dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they ingest parts of Erythronium tuolumnense, particularly the bulbs and roots. The toxicity is not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Erythronium tuolumnense bulbs and roots can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic compounds are not highly concentrated but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicErythronium tuolumnense contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The bulbs and roots are the most toxic parts due to their higher concentration of these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Erythronium tuolumnense rare?
A: Yes, it is considered rare and is endemic to specific regions of California.
Q: Does it require special care?
A: It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, and may struggle in heavy clay soils.
Q: Does it attract wildlife?
A: Yes, its flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it beneficial for pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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