Avalanche lily, Dog's-tooth violet, Glacier lily
Erythronium grandiflorum
Family: Liliaceae
What it is like
A bulb plant. It is a small herb which keeps growing from year to year. It grows 10-40 cm high. There are usually 2 leaves from the base of the stem. The leaves are not mottled. They are narrow oval and have a sharp point. They are 10-20 cm long. The flowers are golden yellow. They occur as 1-2 flowers that hang down on a slender stalk. Each flower is about 2-5 cm long. The fruit is a dry triangle shaped capsule with many seeds.
There are about 22 Erythronium species.
Where it is found
It is a cool temperate plant. The plant needs cool damp conditions and should not be allowed to dry out. It grows near the snowline up to 2,700 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Britain, Canada, Europe, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The bulbs are steamed, roasted or boiled. They can be dried and stored. The flower petals are eaten raw in salads.
It is an important food for some people.
Edible parts
Leaves, flowers, root, seeds pod
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seeds or by division of the root. Bulbs can be planted. The bulbs are planted 8-10 cm deep and 10 cm apart.