1 / 5
Erythronium revolutum
coast fawn lily
Pacific Coast (southwestern British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon to northern California)Learn more
Overview
Erythronium revolutum is the coast fawn lily (pink fawn lily), growing 6–14 inches (15–35 cm) tall and 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) wide. Nodding pink to lavender-pink flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) with strongly recurved (swept-back) petals — the species name 'revolutum' refers to the revolute (rolled-back) petals. One to three flowers per stem. Two basal elliptical leaves 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) with brown mottling — the mottled pattern resembles the spotted coat of a young deer (fawn), giving the common name 'fawn lily.' In the lily family (Liliaceae). Spring ephemeral: the foliage emerges in early spring, the plant flowers in mid-spring, and the entire above-ground plant disappears by early summer as the deeply buried elongated bulb (corm) goes dormant for 8–9 months. The corms are buried 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) deep — deeper than most spring bulbs. Self-seeds slowly to form colonies in undisturbed woodland over decades — the ants carry seeds (myrmecochory). Distinguished from E. oregonum (white fawn lily, white flowers) and E. hendersonii (Henderson's fawn lily, lavender with dark center) by the pink flower color and the strongly recurved petals. Native to the Pacific Coast from southwestern British Columbia through Washington, Oregon, to northern California, growing in moist coniferous forest understory. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4–9. Growth rate is very slow.
Native Range
Native to the Pacific Coast from southwestern British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, to northern California, growing in moist coniferous forest understory.Suggested Uses
Grown in woodland gardens and native plant plantings in zones 4–9. The spring flowers and mottled foliage are the brief seasonal display. Spring ephemeral — interplant with later-emerging perennials and ferns to fill the gap. Self-seeds over decades. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Native.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'2"
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Mid-spring (April–May), lasting 1–2 weeks. Nodding pink flowers with recurved petals. Spring ephemeral — all foliage disappears by early summer. Self-seeds slowly over decades (ant-dispersed).Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink to lavender-pink with recurved (swept-back) petals, noddingFoliage Description
Medium green with brown mottling (fawn-colored spots), basal, elliptical, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Partial shade (deciduous or coniferous understory). Moist acidic well-draining soil. Plant corms 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) deep. Spring ephemeral — 8–9 months dormant underground. Do not disturb the dormant corms. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Native. Zones 4–9.Pruning
No pruning. The foliage yellows and disappears as the bulb enters summer dormancy. Do not remove green foliage prematurely — the bulb needs the energy.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons