Erythronium albidum (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to light shade
Flowering period: Late spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 30cm
Eventual Spread: 15cm
Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Liliaceae
Erythronium albidum is a deciduous herbaceous, perennial with a clump forming habit. Its dark green, purple mottled leaves appear in pairs, are lanceolate to ovate with entire margins, up to 16cm long and 4cm broad. Its white flowers are Lilly like, up to 4cm across and appear on naked stalks. Its roots emerge from an oval shaped bulb, these will produce stolons which aids its spread.
Erythronium albidum, commonly known as the White Fawn Lily or White Trout Lily, is native to central and eastern North America. In its native habitat it grows in woodlands and scrub. This plant has historically been used for a number of medicinal uses by the native Americans and settlers.
The etymological root of the binomial name Erythronium is derived from the Greek erythros meaning ‘red’, as to what the red refers to in this species we are unclear. Albidum is derived from the Latin albo menaing ‘make white’.
The landscape architect may find Erythronium albidum useful in shady moist locations including woodlands.
Ecologically, Erythronium albidum flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Erythronium albidum Flower (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Erythronium albidum prefers moist, humus rich fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It dislikes dry soils.
Erythronium albidum requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided after flowering.
