Erythronium revolutum aka Pink Fawn Lily

Erythronium revolutum belongs to the lily family, Liliaceae. Its names include pink fawn lily and mahogany fawn lily. This bulbous perennial comes from western North America. Its range runs from southwest British Columbia to northwest California. It also grows in western Washington and western Oregon. Wild plants grow in redwood woods and mixed evergreen forests. They also grow beside wooded streams and near bog edges. These sites extend from the coast into higher ground.

The plant forms clumps and loses its leaves each year. RHS describes plants about 1 foot [0.3 metres] tall. Its broader height range reaches 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. The listed spread reaches about 0.3 feet [0.1 metres]. The leaves have an oval to narrow oval shape. Brown marks break up their green surface. Upright stems hold between one and four pink flowers. Each bloom hangs down, with its segments bent back. Flowers measure about 0.16 feet [0.05 metres] across. The marked leaves and hanging blooms give it garden interest.

Grow it in part shade with rich, humus-filled soil. The soil should hold moisture but let excess water drain. Do not let the planting site dry out. RHS lists clay, loam, sand, and chalk as suitable soils. It also accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil conditions. Plant bulbs about 0.3 feet [0.1 metres] deep. Keep stored bulbs slightly damp rather than letting them dry. RHS rates its hardiness H5 under UK growing conditions. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 4–8. RHS gives two to five years to reach full size.

Use it in woodland gardens or along shaded edges. It also suits rock gardens, beds, and informal planting schemes. RHS suggests planting it beneath roses and other shrubs. Its small size suits the front of a shaded border. Divide plants after flowering to make new plants. No pruning is needed. Slugs may cause damage, but RHS reports few disease problems. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy. That source lists no known medicinal or other practical uses.

The sources disagree about whether the bulbs are safe to eat. Plants For A Future records raw and cooked bulb use. It also describes drying bulbs for later use. RHS warns that people and pets should not eat ornamental bulbs. It advises gloves and other protective gear when handling them. Treat this as an ornamental plant, not a food crop.