Erythronium grandiflorum subsp. grandiflorum
Glacier lily, Glacier Lily
Walter Siegmund (talk) (via Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Erythronium grandiflorum subsp. grandiflorum (Glacier lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by yellow flowers completely diagnostic.
Glacier lily is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges and northern Coast Ranges in subalpine meadows at elevations of 500 to 2,300 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces bright yellow flowers with a pale zone at the base, blooming singly or in small clusters of up to three individual blossoms. Growing with slender stems 20 to 30 centimeters tall emerging from a small bulb, it develops graceful, wavy-edged lanceolate leaves in a rich green color. Its leaves measure 5 to 20 centimeters long, spreading in an elegant pattern around the delicate flowering stem. The flower's inner perianth parts feature distinctive sac-like folds at the base, with white filaments and cream to yellow anthers creating a subtle textural complexity.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric species; yellow flowers completely diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Subalpine meadows
Elevation: 500-2300 m
California counties: Siskiyou, Humboldt, Trinity, Del Norte
Outside California: to southwestern Canada, Colorado
Bloom period
Erythronium grandiflorum subsp. grandiflorum blooms Apr-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Lilium: Erythronium has two mottled basal leaves; Lilium has unmottled leaves arranged in whorls up the stem.; vs Scoliopus: Erythronium has nodding flowers with reflexed petals; Scoliopus has upright flowers with twisted, purple-striped petals.; vs Sparaxis: Erythronium has two basal leaves and nodding flowers; Sparaxis has grass-like leaves and upright flowers.; vs Fritillaria: Erythronium has mottled basal leaves; Fritillaria has unmottled narrow leaves arranged up the stem.; vs Tulipa: Erythronium has mottled leaves and nodding flowers with reflexed petals; Tulipa has plain leaves and upright cup-shaped flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Erythronium grandiflorum subsp. grandiflorum native to California?
Yes. Erythronium grandiflorum subsp. grandiflorum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythronium grandiflorum subsp. grandiflorum bloom?
Erythronium grandiflorum subsp. grandiflorum blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Erythronium grandiflorum subsp. grandiflorum grow?
Erythronium grandiflorum subsp. grandiflorum occurs in Siskiyou, Humboldt, Trinity, Del Norte, at elevations of 500-2300 m.
What plant family does Erythronium grandiflorum subsp. grandiflorum belong to?
Erythronium grandiflorum subsp. grandiflorum is in the Liliaceae family, genus Erythronium.
What habitat does Erythronium grandiflorum subsp. grandiflorum grow in?
Erythronium grandiflorum subsp. grandiflorum grows in Subalpine meadows.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.