Erythronium hendersonii
Henderson's fawn lily
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon · licence
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Erythronium hendersonii (Henderson's fawn lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by violet-pink flowers completely diagnostic.
Henderson's fawn lily is a California native perennial ranked 2B.3 by CNPS, found in the Klamath Ranges in dry woodland and forest openings at elevations of 300 to 1,600 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces violet to pink flowers with a dark purple base zone, the perianth parts 18 to 35 millimeters long and widely lanceolate. Growing with slender bulbs 40 to 55 millimeters long, it develops erect stems with elegant flowers. Its leaves are 10 to 25 centimeters long, oblong to ovate, and distinctively mottled with brown or white markings. The flower stems are subtly tinged red to purple, bearing one to four delicate blossoms with purple filaments and pale brown to purple anthers.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 9 sympatric species; violet-pink flowers completely diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry woodland, openings
Elevation: 300-1600 m
California counties: Siskiyou, Del Norte, Mendocino
Outside California: southwestern Oregon
Bloom period
Erythronium hendersonii blooms Apr-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
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 hendersonii native to California?
Yes. Erythronium hendersonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythronium hendersonii bloom?
Erythronium hendersonii blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Erythronium hendersonii grow?
Erythronium hendersonii occurs in Siskiyou, Del Norte, Mendocino, at elevations of 300-1600 m.
What plant family does Erythronium hendersonii belong to?
Erythronium hendersonii is in the Liliaceae family, genus Erythronium.
Is Erythronium hendersonii rare or endangered?
Erythronium hendersonii carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S2.
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.