Erythronium grandiflorum, commonly known as yellow avalanche lily or glacier lily, is a perennial herb native to montane, subalpine, and alpine regions in western North America, from British Columbia to California, and east to Colorado and Wyoming. It thrives in open, moist, well-drained meadows and slopes, often in areas with seasonal snowpack. This species typically reaches up to 12 inches in height and features lance-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers with six petals and white to yellow anthers, blooming from late spring to early summer. The flowers are particularly showy and attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees.

The yellow avalanche lily is valued for its striking yellow flowers, which can add a splash of color to rock gardens, alpine gardens, and naturalized areas. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring moist, well-drained soils and partial shade to full sun. While it is not commonly used in large-scale cultivation, it can be propagated from seed or by dividing the bulbs in the fall. In the wild, the bulbs serve as an important food source for grizzly bears and mule deer. The plant’s ecological role includes providing nectar for hummingbirds, which is crucial during their migration to the Rocky Mountains. However, climate change poses a threat to this synchronization, as rising temperatures may cause the lilies to bloom earlier than the hummingbirds’ arrival. Gardeners should be aware that Erythronium grandiflorum is best left undisturbed once planted, as it does not transplant well.CC BY-SA 4.0