Erythronium oregonum (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Partial shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 40cm
Eventual Spread: 40cm
Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Liliaceae
Erythronium oregonum is a deciduous herbaceous, perennial with a clump forming habit. Its dark green, brown/ white mottled leaves appear in pairs, are lanceolate to ovate with entire margins, up to 22cm long and 10cm broad. Its white/ cream flowers are Lilly like, up to 45mm across and appear in groups of one to three on long, naked stalks. Its roots emerge from an oval shaped bulb which is up to 5cm wide.
Erythronium oregonum, commonly known as the Giant White Fawn Lily, Western White Fawn Lily or Oregon Fawn Lily, is native to the west coastal regions of North America. In its native habitat it grows in open woodlands and damp meadows.
The etymological root of the binomial name Erythronium is derived from the Greek erythros meaning ‘red’, in reference to the flower color of some species. Oregonum is derived from the Latin meaning ‘from Oregon’.
The landscape architect may find Erythronium oregonum useful in shady moist locations including woodlands.
Ecologically, Erythronium oregonum flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Erythronium oregonum Flower (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Erythronium oregonum prefers moist, humus rich fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Erythronium revolutum requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided after flowering.
