Oregon fawn lily
erythronium oregonum
Also known as: ["Western fawn lily","Sword lily"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to the Pacific Northwest, known for its nodding, lily-like flowers with recurved petals and distinctive mottled leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Erythronium |
| Botanical Name: | Erythronium oregonum |
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 but moisture-retentive; avoid waterlogged soil.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining, humus-rich soil; similar to woodland conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed after flowering; remove dead foliage in late fall or early winter.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on removing spent flowers and damaged leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 4–6 hours of morning sunlight or dappled light; protect from harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; avoid direct sunlight, especially in summer; place in a location with filtered light or partial shade.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid hot afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
Soil
moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of loam, peat, and perlite; ensure good drainage; maintain consistent moisture during growth.
Temperature
Cool temperatures preferred; ideal range 50–65°F (10–18°C); tolerates cold but avoid extreme heat.
Keep in a cool, shaded spot; protect from extreme heat; adjust watering based on temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth
Fertilize sparingly; use a balanced formula; apply in early spring only.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation or division of bulbs; seeds take longer but are more reliable for species propagation.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect seeds or divide bulbs.
- Prepare medium.
- Plant seeds or bulbs at appropriate depth.
- Maintain moisture and temperature.
- Wait for germination or growth.
Best Time: Divide bulbs in late summer or early fall after dormancy; sow seeds in fall for natural stratification.
Environment
Cool, shaded environment with consistent moisture for seeds; bulbs prefer well-drained soil and partial shade.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for seedlings; bulb division requires minimal soil disturbance.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seeds but not typically required.
Timeline
Seeds may take 2–3 years to germinate and establish; bulb division will produce flowering plants in 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife or pruners, small pots, well-draining soil mix, watering can.
Quick Tips
Sow seeds in fall for natural cold stratification; divide bulbs when overcrowded; keep seedlings in a shaded, cool location.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base after blooming; trim dead foliage carefully to avoid damaging emerging bulbs.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb development; remove dead or damaged foliage as needed.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; trim dead foliage; avoid cutting into bulb or emerging growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after dormancy ends and before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger if repotting; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old or damaged ones; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become overcrowded or soil quality declines; typically every 3–4 years.
Checklist
Check for overcrowding; use fresh soil mix; replant at same depth; ensure drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; reduce watering in summer dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, avoiding foliage; ensure water penetrates the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring; reduce watering significantly in summer dormancy; avoid overwatering during dormancy to prevent rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or leaf mold to improve structure and fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bulb rot in excessive heat; leaf browning or failure to emerge in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause damage to foliage; bulbs may rot if soil is too wet and cold.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent bulb rot; mulch lightly to protect bulbs from extreme cold; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Causes leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor; may lead to premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity around the plant; water deeply but infrequently to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid during dormancy; dilute to half strength if using liquid fertilizer.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as growth begins; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers; discontinue fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they ingest the bulbs or roots of Erythronium oregonum. The toxicity is not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Erythronium oregonum bulbs or roots can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs. The compounds present are not highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicErythronium oregonum 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: How do I propagate Oregon fawn lily?
A: Propagation is typically done by seed or division of bulbs, though seeds may take several years to flower.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Erythronium oregonum?
A: It thrives in partial shade, well-drained, humus-rich soil, and prefers cool, moist conditions during the growing season.
Q: Does the Oregon fawn lily attract wildlife?
A: Yes, its fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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