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Description
Erythronium Purpurascens, commonly known as Purple Fawn Lily, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. It is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, including parts of British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. The plant is known for its beautiful purple flowers, which bloom in early spring and last for several weeks. The flowers have six petals and are bell-shaped, with a yellow center.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Erythronium |
Appearance
Erythronium Purpurascens has a basal rosette of leaves that are green and mottled with brown. The leaves are lance-shaped and about 20 cm long. The plant grows up to 30 cm tall and has one or two flowers per stem. The flowers are purple, with six petals, and are about 2.5 cm wide. The petals are recurved, giving the flower a bell shape. The center of the flower is yellow and has six stamens.
Care Guide
To grow Erythronium Purpurascens successfully, follow these care tips:
Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year with a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Erythronium Purpurascens prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some morning sun, but not the hot afternoon sun.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Erythronium Purpurascens is generally pest-free, but it can be affected by slugs and snails. These pests can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases, such as leaf spot and rust. To prevent these problems, keep the plant in well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, and remove any infected leaves or flowers.
Habitat
Erythronium Purpurascens is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, where it grows in moist, shady areas such as forests, meadows, and along streams.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Erythronium Purpurascens?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the ideal sunlight exposure for Erythronium Purpurascens?
A: Erythronium Purpurascens prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some morning sun, but not the hot afternoon sun.
Q: What is the ideal soil type for Erythronium Purpurascens?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: What is the ideal hardiness zone for Erythronium Purpurascens?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Erythronium genus include:
- Erythronium albidum
- Erythronium americanum
- Erythronium californicum
- Erythronium grandiflorum
- Erythronium hendersonii
- Erythronium oregonum
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Erythronium purpurascens. Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j630
- Northwest Native Plant Guide. (n.d.). Erythronium purpurascens. Northwest Native Plant Guide. https://www.wnps.org/native-plant-directory/erythronium-purpurascens
- Washington Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Erythronium purpurascens. Washington Native Plant Society. https://www.wnps.org/native-plant-directory/erythronium-purpurascens
