Erythronium Seed

Fawn Lilies, (Trout Lilies, Dog Tooth Violets) referring here to the mottled markings on the leaves of some species, these lovely little lily relatives are some of the most charming spring flowering bulbs you can grow. They look like small, nodding lilies, from 6” to over 18” tall, with strap like leaves, often beautifully marked with shades of brown or silver. There are about 20 species worldwide, but considered by many to be the most beautiful, and of the easiest culture in most gardens, are the lowland species that come from the west side of the Cascade Mountains - E. oreganum, E. revolutum and from S.W Oregon, the loveliest of all, (some say) E. hendersonii, They thrive in light shade and well drained, preferably humus-rich soil. They like to dry out somewhat in summer, (but can take some water if the soil is well drained). They do well under trees, where the roots of the trees can suck up excess moisture. Once they start to bloom and set seed, which they reliably do, especially E. oreganum and E. revolutum, they can form large drifts over time.

They are easy to grow from seed, but like most bulbs it will be a 3 to 5 year process to reach flowering size. Growing seed in pots can be done with careful cultivation, but the easiest way to success in the garden is to direct sow them in early fall, covered lightly, and let the fall rains care of them. Germination is reliable in the following spring. The first year’s growth will be just a small sprig that looks much like a blade of grass. The second year it will look like a small leaf. It is all uphill from there!

I am offering 2 strains of garden collected seed.