Erythronium klamathense
Klamath fawn lily
(c) Ed Alverson，保留部分权利（CC BY）, 由 Ed Alverson 上传 · licence
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Erythronium klamathense (Klamath fawn lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by folded green leaves and montane habitat diagnostic.
Klamath fawn lily is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges and High Cascade Range in montane meadows and forest openings at elevations of 1,200 to 1,850 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces white flowers with a yellow base that may turn slightly pink with age, featuring delicate widely lanceolate perianth parts 20 to 35 millimeters long. Growing with slender bulbs and graceful stems, it develops 1 to 3 flowers on peduncles 8 to 20 centimeters tall. Its leaves are 6 to 17 centimeters long, lanceolate to narrowly elliptic, slightly folded along the midvein with entire to wavy margins. The flower features white stamens and a white style, creating an elegant woodland bloom.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 9 sympatric species; folded green leaves and montane habitat diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Montane meadows, forest openings
Elevation: 1200-1850 m
California counties: Shasta, Siskiyou
Outside California: southern Oregon
Bloom period
Erythronium klamathense blooms Apr-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.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 klamathense native to California?
Yes. Erythronium klamathense is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythronium klamathense bloom?
Erythronium klamathense blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Erythronium klamathense grow?
Erythronium klamathense occurs in Shasta, Siskiyou, at elevations of 1200-1850 m.
What plant family does Erythronium klamathense belong to?
Erythronium klamathense is in the Liliaceae family, genus Erythronium.
Is Erythronium klamathense rare or endangered?
Erythronium klamathense carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, 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.