Erythronium grandiflorum Avalanche lily (Liliaceae)

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Erythronium grandiflorum
Avalanche lily
(1 Page of 5)

The Erythronium grandiflorum plant species is found in Western N. America - British Columbia to California, east to Alberta, Wyoming and Colorado. It is a member of the Liliaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Avalanche lily.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Erythronium grandiflorum
Common Name:  Avalanche lily
Family:  Liliaceae
Author:  Pursh.

Known Hazards:  Skin contact with the bulbs has been known to cause dermatitis in sensitive people[65].

Mature Height:  0.15   Mature Width:  0.08

Habitat:  Sagebrush, open woodland and grassy mountain slopes, sometimes to the tree line[42, 90]. Rich moist soil along the banks of streams, shaded woods and sub-alpine meadows, often in large patches[212].

Edible Uses: Bulb - raw or cooked[2, 46, 85, 105, 257]. The bulbs are usually harvested in the spring as the first leaves appear above ground, they can be stored for some months in a cool place[256]. The raw bulb has a slightly bitter milky taste, the texture is cool and moist inside and so the North American Indians liked eating them on hot days[256]. The cooked bulb has a more starchy texture and a sweet flavour[256, 257]. Stored bulbs develop a sweeter flavour when cooked than fresh bulbs[257]. The Indians always drank water after eating the bulbs because they believed that otherwise they would get sick[256]. Large quantities can have an emetic effect[85]. The bulbs can also be dried for later use[207]. Leaves - raw or cooked[85, 106]. Eating the leaves will greatly reduce the vigour of the bulb, so can only be recommended in times of emergency[K]. Young seedpods - raw or cooked[106, 212]. The cooked pods taste like French beans[212].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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