White Avalanche-Lily

Erythronium montanum

Native to:
Canada, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Liliaceae
Genus:
Erythronium
Species:
Erythronium montanum
USDA Symbol:
ERMO8

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Geophyte
Height:
30 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
white, yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers cool, mountainous regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days
Germination Time:
30–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification for 3-4 months; germination occurs in spring after snowmelt.

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.

Notes: Seeds may require light for germination.

Source: Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Repeated cycles of 4C then 20C, 3 months each. Very prolonged.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society