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Description
Erythronium Californicum, commonly known as the California Fawn Lily, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. It is native to the western United States and can be found growing in moist meadows, forests, and along streams. The plant produces a single stem that can reach up to 40cm in height and bears one or two nodding flowers. The flowers are bell-shaped and can be yellow, pink or white in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Erythronium |
Appearance
The Erythronium Californicum has two basal leaves that are green and mottled with brown or purple spots. The leaves can grow up to 25cm long and 10cm wide. The flowers have six petals that are fused at the base, forming a short tube. The petals curve outwards and are pointed at the tips. The flowers can be up to 4cm long and 3cm wide.
Care Guide
- Water: Erythronium Californicum prefers moist soil, so it is important to keep the soil consistently moist. However, be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Erythronium Californicum prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Erythronium Californicum is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to slugs and snails, which can eat the leaves and flowers. To prevent this, use slug and snail bait around the plant.
Habitat
The Erythronium Californicum is native to the western United States and can be found growing in moist meadows, forests, and along streams. It prefers cool, moist environments and can be found at elevations up to 7,000 feet.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Erythronium Californicum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are deep enough to accommodate the plant’s long roots.
Q: How often should I water Erythronium Californicum?
A: The plant prefers moist soil, so it is important to keep the soil consistently moist. However, be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot.
Q: Can Erythronium Californicum be grown from seed?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown from seed. Sow the seeds in the fall, and they will germinate in the spring.
Q: Does Erythronium Californicum have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, the plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, colds, and headaches.
Related Plants
- Erythronium grandiflorum
- Erythronium hendersonii
- Erythronium oregonum
- Erythronium revolutum
References
- “Erythronium Californicum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 20 August 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c261>
- “Erythronium Californicum.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed 20 August 2021. <http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:535050-1>
- “Erythronium Californicum.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 20 August 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/1622/erythronium-californicum/details>
