Erythronium shastense
Shasta fawn lily
(c) Ed Alverson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ed Alverson · licence
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Erythronium shastense (Shasta fawn lily) is a native California perennial in the Liliaceae family, recognized by limestone habitat distinctive.
Shasta fawn lily is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges in north-facing, shaded limestone forest openings at elevations of 330 to 1,020 meters. Flowering from February to April, this plant produces white flowers with a yellow base, delicately tinged pink in bud and fading to soft pinkish-purple, with 1 to 3 nodding blooms on tall stems. Growing with a slender bulb 25 to 95 millimeters long, it develops elegant stems supporting distinctive leaves. Its leaves are 12 to 26 centimeters long, lanceolate to elliptic, marked with striking white or brown mottling and slightly wavy margins. The fruit develops 1.3 to 3.2 centimeters long, completing its graceful seasonal cycle.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; limestone habitat distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: North-facing, shaded limestone outcrops in forest openings
Elevation: 330-1020 m
Bloom period
Erythronium shastense blooms Feb-Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.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 shastense native to California?
Yes. Erythronium shastense is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythronium shastense bloom?
Erythronium shastense blooms Feb-Apr.
What plant family does Erythronium shastense belong to?
Erythronium shastense is in the Liliaceae family, genus Erythronium.
Is Erythronium shastense rare or endangered?
Erythronium shastense carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Erythronium shastense grow in?
Erythronium shastense grows in North-facing, shaded limestone outcrops in forest openings.
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 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.