Mt. St. Helena Fawm Lily (Erythronium helenae)

Family: Liliaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Erythronium helenae is a BULB growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The following use has been noted for the closely related E. origonum and probably also applies to this species, which has corms 6 - 8cm long and up to 15mm thick. Bulb - raw, cooked or dried for later use. — The following use has been noted for the closely related E.; origonum and probably also applies to this species, which has corms 6 - 8cm long and up to 15mm thick.; Bulb - raw, cooked or dried for later use.

Habitat & North American Range

Well-watered volcanic soils and leaf mold, in brush and woods, 450- 700 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)