Erythronium helenae
St. helena fawn lily, St. Helena Fawn Lily
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Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Erythronium helenae (St. helena fawn lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by Only 2 sympatric species; yellow anthers and bent style diagnostic.
St. helena fawn lily is a rare (CNPS 4.2) California native perennial found in southern North Coast Ranges Interior near Mount Saint Helena in dry serpentine woodland at elevations of 300 to 1,200 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces white flowers with yellow bases that turn slightly pink with age, 25 to 40 millimeters long, emerging singly or in clusters of up to three. Growing with slender stems 15 to 30 centimeters tall, it emerges from an ovoid bulb that can produce small sessile bulblets. Its leaves are 10 to 20 centimeters long, widely lanceolate to ovate, with wavy margins and distinctive mottled brown or white patterning. The plant's delicate white flowers feature yellow stamens and a slightly bent white style, creating an elegant woodland presence.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only 2 sympatric species; yellow anthers and bent style diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry woodland, on serpentine
Elevation: 300-1200 m
California counties: Lake, Napa, Sonoma, Shasta, Alameda
Bloom period
Erythronium helenae blooms Mar-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
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 helenae native to California?
Yes. Erythronium helenae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythronium helenae bloom?
Erythronium helenae blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Erythronium helenae grow?
Erythronium helenae occurs in Lake, Napa, Sonoma, Shasta, Alameda, at elevations of 300-1200 m.
What plant family does Erythronium helenae belong to?
Erythronium helenae is in the Liliaceae family, genus Erythronium.
Is Erythronium helenae rare or endangered?
Erythronium helenae carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.