Erythronium howellii aka Howell's Fawnlily

Erythronium howellii is known as Howell's fawn lily. It belongs to the lily family, Liliaceae. Its native range runs from southwest Oregon into northwest California. It grows in a temperate climate in western North America. Wild plants occur on serpentine ground in yellow pine forests. This woodland setting helps explain its need for some shade.

This plant grows from a bulb below the soil. It reaches about 1 foot (0.3 metres) in height. Its small size suits the edge of a woodland garden. It flowers from April to May. Seeds ripen later, from June to July. Each flower has both male and female organs. The supplied sources give no species-level details of leaf shape or flower colour. They also give no mature spread or fruit description.

Grow it in part shade with soil that drains well. Trees or shrubs can provide the shade it needs. A shaded border edge is another suitable site. The soil should stay moist without losing good drainage. Sandy and loamy soils both suit this bulb. It favours light soil with plenty of humus. A slightly acid soil is preferred, but neutral soil also works. It can grow in mildly alkaline or chalky ground with ample humus. Plants For A Future reports hardiness to at least −15°C. It also describes the plant as not frost tender.

Plant bulbs about 0.23 feet (0.07 metres) below the surface. For seed propagation, sow fresh seed once it ripens. Use a cold frame in a shaded spot. Water lightly through summer; germination may follow in autumn or winter. Stored seed needs a period of cold treatment. Sow thinly to avoid moving seedlings during their first year. Move the small bulbs into pots while they are dormant. Then grow them under shade for another two to three years. This gives young plants time to develop before final planting.

The evidence does not establish a safe edible use for this species. The cited bulb use comes from a different species. It should not serve as proof of edibility here. Nor does the supplied evidence establish a toxicity category. Plants For A Future lists no known medicinal or other uses. It also records no weed potential. No species-specific pest or disease details are supplied.