When does avalanche-lily bloom?

Erythronium grandiflorum typically flowers from May through July, with timing tied closely to snowmelt at higher elevations.

What pollinates avalanche-lily?

Bees and beetles are the main visitors to Erythronium grandiflorum flowers, foraging on pollen and nectar soon after the blooms emerge from melting snow.

What growing conditions does avalanche-lily need?

It does best in part shade to full sun with medium moisture in spring, mimicking the open subalpine and montane meadows where it is commonly found, then tolerates drier soil as it goes dormant in summer.

Is avalanche-lily evergreen?

No. Erythronium grandiflorum is deciduous and behaves as a spring ephemeral, with foliage dying back after flowering and seed set.

Is Avalanche-lily HOA-friendly?

Avalanche-lily takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Avalanche-lily

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Erythronium grandiflorum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Erythronium grandiflorum, the avalanche-lily, produces nodding yellow flowers in mountain meadows from May through July as snowbanks recede. It grows well in part shade with medium moisture and goes dormant by mid-summer.

Toxicity unknown

Avalanche-lily (Erythronium grandiflorum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 3"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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Avalanche-lily is a charming spring wildflower that produces nodding white or yellow blooms on short stems. The plant goes completely dormant by midsummer, disappearing until the following spring. It prefers cooler, shadier spots and takes several years to establish from seed.

Growing Avalanche-lily

Grow Avalanche-lily in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 3 to 6 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Avalanche-lily takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Completely disappears by midsummer leaving bare ground
Very short bloom period creates temporary appearance
Can look sparse and unfinished in formal landscapes

Wildlife value

The early spring flowers provide nectar for native bees and beetles when few other food sources are available. This makes it particularly valuable for supporting pollinators emerging from winter dormancy.

Common questions

When does avalanche-lily bloom?: Erythronium grandiflorum typically flowers from May through July, with timing tied closely to snowmelt at higher elevations.
What pollinates avalanche-lily?: Bees and beetles are the main visitors to Erythronium grandiflorum flowers, foraging on pollen and nectar soon after the blooms emerge from melting snow.
What growing conditions does avalanche-lily need?: It does best in part shade to full sun with medium moisture in spring, mimicking the open subalpine and montane meadows where it is commonly found, then tolerates drier soil as it goes dormant in summer.
Is avalanche-lily evergreen?: No. Erythronium grandiflorum is deciduous and behaves as a spring ephemeral, with foliage dying back after flowering and seed set.
Is Avalanche-lily HOA-friendly?: Avalanche-lily takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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