Origin
Erythronium grandiflorum Pursh var. pallidum St. John, commonly known as Glacier lily, is a species of flowering plant in the Liliaceae family. It originates from Western North America, particularly in the mountains of the Rocky Mountains, subalpine meadows, and forests from Alaska to Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.
Common Names
Glacier lily is commonly known as the avalanche lily, dog tooth violet, winterbell, snow lily, trout lily, and yellow avalanche lily, among others. The plant gets its name from its ability to bloom early in the year when snow and glaciers are still present in the developing regions.
Uses
Glacier lily has both medicinal and ornamental uses. The Native Americans used the plant for medicinal purposes, including its use as a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, and to treat chest pains, headaches, and respiratory issues. Ornamentally, the plant is suitable as an ornamental plant in gardens, with its unique yellow flowers making beautiful arrangements.
General Appearance
Glacier lily is a perennial plant that grows from a bulb. It is a small plant, growing up to 6-8 inches tall, with only one stem protruding from a single onion-like bulb. The leaves of the plant are green and smooth, with an elongated shape. The flowers of the plant are bright yellow in color, measuring between two and three inches in diameter. They have six petals, and a distinct yellow center and bloom in early spring, providing a colorful addition to the landscape.
Light Requirements
Erythronium grandiflorum Pursh var. pallidum St. John, commonly known as the White Avalanche Lily, prefers a moderate to dense shade environment. Direct sunlight can cause the plant to wilt or have discolored leaves. The ideal location for the plant is under a tree canopy, or near other taller plants which can provide shade.
Temperature Requirements
White Avalanche Lily thrives in a cool and moist environment, and its ideal temperature range is between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. In warmer temperatures, the plant will require increased soil moisture or it may not survive. It is also susceptible to frost damage, so it should be protected during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires a well-draining and rich soil environment, with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. Erythronium grandiflorum Pursh var. pallidum St. John prefers soils that have an adequate amount of organic matter, such as compost or decayed leaves. The plant is sensitive to excessive moisture or dryness, therefore it is important to maintain a consistent level of moisture in the soil.
Cultivation methods
Erythronium grandiflorum Pursh var. pallidum St. John, commonly known as the glacier lily, is a hardy, perennial plant native to North America. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7 and prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils. Plant the bulbs in late summer or early fall, 3-4 inches deep, and 6 inches apart. Make sure to plant them with the pointed end facing upward.
If you live in an area with extremely cold winters, insulate the soil with a thick layer of mulch or straw. Glacier lilies do well in full sun or partial shade, so choose a spot that gets a few hours of sunlight daily. If grown in a container, make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and place it in a location with the desired amount of light and temperatures that do not get too warm.
Watering needs
Glacier lilies require moderate watering. They prefer moist but not soggy soil during the growing season from spring to early summer. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering to prevent the bulbs from rotting. During the dormant season, which occurs in the summer, reduce watering but do not let the soil dry out completely as it may result in stunted growth the following season.
Fertilization
An annual application of a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, during the growing season can help to promote healthy growth. Be careful not to over-fertilize as it may result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering. Always follow the fertilizer manufacturer's instructions for application and dosage.
Pruning
Pruning of glacier lilies is not necessary except to remove dead or damaged foliage after flowering. Allow the foliage to die back naturally as it will provide nutrients to the bulb for future growth. Do not cut back the foliage prematurely, as this may prevent the bulb from developing properly.
Propagation of Erythronium grandiflorum Pursh var. pallidum St. John
Erythronium grandiflorum Pursh var. pallidum St. John, commonly known as the pale fawn lily, can be propagated by several methods, including seed propagation and bulb offsets.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Erythronium grandiflorum Pursh var. pallidum St. John can be collected after the flowers have bloomed and the seed pods have ripened. The collected seeds can be sown immediately or stored in a cool, dry place until the following autumn.
The seeds should be sown in a container filled with moist, well-draining soil, and kept in a cool, shaded area. The container should be covered with plastic to retain moisture. These seeds will usually germinate within three weeks.
Bulb offsets propagation
Erythronium grandiflorum Pursh var. pallidum St. John can also be propagated by dividing the bulbs. This should be done during the dormant season, which is in the late summer or early fall.
To do this, remove the bulbs from the soil and gently separate them from each other. Each individual bulb can then be planted in a separate container or in a new location in the garden. Plant the bulbs approximately 3-4 inches (7.6-10 cm) deep.
It is important to note that it may take several years before Erythronium grandiflorum Pursh var. pallidum St. John bulbs are mature enough to produce flowers.
Disease Management
Erythronium grandiflorum Pursh var. pallidum St. John is susceptible to fungal diseases such as Botrytis blight, powdery mildew, and rust.
Botrytis blight can be managed by removing infected plant parts and improving air circulation around the plant to decrease humidity. Fungicide applications can also be effective.
Powdery mildew can be managed by improving air circulation, reducing humidity, and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used for management.
Rust can be managed by removing infected plant parts and improving air circulation. Fungicides may also be used for effective management.
Pest Management
Erythronium grandiflorum Pursh var. pallidum St. John is susceptible to pests such as slugs, snails, and bulb mites.
Slugs and snails can be managed by handpicking, creating barriers such as copper tape or diatomaceous earth, and applying molluscicides.
Bulb mites can be managed by removing infected plant parts and applying miticides. Infected bulbs should be discarded to prevent further infestations.
