Erythronium pluriflorum
Shuteye peak fawn lily, Shuteye Peak Fawn Lily
(c) Arvel Hernandez, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Arvel Hernandez · licence
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Erythronium pluriflorum (Shuteye peak fawn lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by yellow flowers without basal folds diagnostic.
Shuteye peak fawn lily is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in central Sierra Nevada Mountains (Madera County) in open, rocky places at elevations of 2,300 to 2,550 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces yellow flowers that age to bronze, with perianth parts 15 to 28 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems 8 to 35 centimeters tall that range from green to reddish, it emerges from a bulb 40 to 75 millimeters tall and nearly ovoid in shape. Its leaves are 7 to 30 centimeters long, oblanceolate to elliptic with slightly wavy margins, displaying a vibrant green color. Each plant can produce between 1 to 10 flowers, with delicate yellow stamens and a yellow style.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; yellow flowers without basal folds diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, rocky places
Elevation: 2300-2550 m
California counties: Madera, Napa
Bloom period
Erythronium pluriflorum blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.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 pluriflorum native to California?
Yes. Erythronium pluriflorum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythronium pluriflorum bloom?
Erythronium pluriflorum blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Erythronium pluriflorum grow?
Erythronium pluriflorum occurs in Madera, Napa, at elevations of 2300-2550 m.
What plant family does Erythronium pluriflorum belong to?
Erythronium pluriflorum is in the Liliaceae family, genus Erythronium.
Is Erythronium pluriflorum rare or endangered?
Erythronium pluriflorum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.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.