Overview
Erythronium revolutum is coast fawn lily (pink fawn lily), a spring-ephemeral bulbous perennial growing 6-14 inches (15-35 cm) tall and 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) wide. Pink to lavender-pink nodding flowers 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) with strongly recurved (swept-back) petals and yellow anthers, solitary or 2-3 per stem, in April-May (2 weeks). Medium green elliptical basal leaves 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) with brown mottling resembling fawn spots. In Liliaceae. Revolutum = rolled back (the recurved petals). Native to the Pacific Coast — British Columbia through northern California in moist coniferous forests. A spring ephemeral — the entire plant disappears by early summer as the deeply buried corm goes dormant. Grows from an elongated corm 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) deep that must not dry out — plant immediately after purchase. This intolerance of dry storage is the primary establishment limitation. Self-seeds slowly to form colonies over decades. One parent of the widely planted hybrid E. 'Pagoda'. Drought-tolerant during summer dormancy. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-9. Part shade. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Native to the Pacific Coast of North America — southwestern British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon to northern California. Found in moist coniferous forests and stream banks.Suggested Uses
Grown in woodland gardens, under deciduous trees, and in containers of at least 2 gallons (7.5 L), spaced 4-8 inches (10-20 cm). Spring ephemeral. Plant among ferns or hostas to fill the gap after dormancy. Native to Pacific Northwest. Non-toxic. Zones 4-9.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). Pink to lavender-pink nodding flowers 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) with recurved petals and yellow anthers. 2 weeks. Bee-visited. Spring ephemeral — dormant by early summer.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink to lavender-pink with recurved (swept-back) petals, 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm), nodding, solitary or 2-3 per stem; yellow anthersFoliage Description
Medium green with brown mottling (fawn-colored spots), basal, elliptical, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm); the brown mottling pattern resembles the spots on a young deer (fawn) — the source of the common nameGrowing 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
Part shade (3-5 hours — under deciduous trees). Well-drained acidic soil pH 5.5-6.5. Plant corms 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) deep immediately after purchase — do not store dry. Spring ephemeral — allow foliage to die back naturally. Drought-tolerant during summer dormancy. Self-seeds slowly. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-9.Pruning
No pruning needed. Allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally by early summer (June). Do not disturb dormant corms.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