Erythronium oregonum
Giant fawn lily
(c) Corvi Zeman, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Erythronium oregonum (Giant fawn lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by Only 3 sympatric species; large flowers and broad filaments diagnostic.
Giant fawn lily is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in the northern Coast Ranges in woodland openings at elevations of 100 to 750 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces white to cream flowers with a yellow base, 30 to 45 millimeters long, emerging individually or in clusters of up to three. Growing with slender stems 15 to 45 centimeters tall, ranging from green to slightly reddish, it emerges from a narrow ovoid bulb 35 to 50 millimeters in size. Its leaves are widely lanceolate to ovate, 10 to 22 centimeters long, distinctively mottled with brown or white patches and featuring slightly wavy margins. The flower's inner perianth parts have distinctive sac-like folds at the base, with white filaments and cream to yellow anthers creating an elegant botanical display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only 3 sympatric species; large flowers and broad filaments diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Openings in woodland
Elevation: 100-750 m
California counties: Mendocino, Humboldt, Trinity, Del Norte
Outside California: southern Oregon to southwestern British Columbia
Bloom period
Erythronium oregonum blooms Mar-May.
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 oregonum native to California?
Yes. Erythronium oregonum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythronium oregonum bloom?
Erythronium oregonum blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Erythronium oregonum grow?
Erythronium oregonum occurs in Mendocino, Humboldt, Trinity, Del Norte, at elevations of 100-750 m.
What plant family does Erythronium oregonum belong to?
Erythronium oregonum is in the Liliaceae family, genus Erythronium.
Is Erythronium oregonum rare or endangered?
Erythronium oregonum 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.