Avalanche-lily
Erythronium grandiflorum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Erythronium grandiflorum (Avalanche-lily) is a native wildflower blooming May through July across western mountain states from California to Wyoming. This shade-tolerant forb thrives in moist conditions and attracts bees and beetles.
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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 blooms from May through July, often appearing as snow melts in mountain areas.
- Where is Avalanche-lily native?
- This wildflower is native to western North America, found in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
- What pollinators visit Avalanche-lily?
- Erythronium grandiflorum attracts various bees and beetles as its primary pollinators.
- What growing conditions does Avalanche-lily prefer?
- This native forb grows best in partial shade to shade with medium to high moisture levels, making it ideal for woodland gardens.
- 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Avalanche-lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz