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Key characteristics

Family: Liliaceae
Height: 8–16 in
Width: 6–12 in
Flower color: Creamy white with a yellow center and reflexed petals
Foliage color: Green with brown or maroon mottling, deciduous
Bloom time: Early to mid-spring
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Moist, well-drained soil that becomes drier during summer dormancy
Maintenance: Low; allow foliage to die back naturally and avoid disturbance while dormant
Growing zone: USDA zones 4–9
Wildlife: Bees and other early spring pollinators

Perennials

Erythronium oregonum

Oregon Fawn Lily

Erythronium oregonum sends up nodding, creamy white flowers washed with soft yellow at the throat and faintly tinted on the reverse, opening in early to mid-spring above mottled green leaves marked with dusky marbling. Recurved petals and gently arching stems lend a quiet woodland presence that endures through the brief flowering season, while subtle tonal shifts appear as blooms mature.

Native to moist forests and open meadows of the Pacific Northwest of North America, it follows the seasonal rhythm of coastal and inland woodlands, retreating to underground bulbs after spring growth and returning with the next cool, bright season.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moist, well-drained soil that becomes drier during summer dormancy

Bloom time

Early to mid-spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Rain Gardens

Companion plants

Siberian bugloss · Sweet woodruff · Foamflowers · Epimediums · Hostas · Bleeding hearts

Design tip

The early flowers arrive when the garden is still waking up, so give it a spot you pass often in spring. Cooler light suits it, so tuck it on the north side of a shrub or wall where the soil stays even.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)