Avalanche lily facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White avalanche lily |
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| Erythronium montanum in Olympic National Park | |
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Erythronium
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| Species: |
montanum
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The avalanche lily, also known as the white avalanche lily (scientific name: Erythronium montanum), is a beautiful wild flower. It belongs to the lily family. This plant is found in the mountains of western North America.
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Meet the Avalanche Lily!
The avalanche lily is a special flower that grows in cool, high places. It gets its name because it often blooms right after the snow melts. You can find it in the Pacific Northwest region. This includes coastal British Columbia in Canada. It also grows in the Olympic Mountains and Cascade Ranges in Washington and Oregon in the United States.
Where Does It Grow?
This lily loves damp areas in the mountains. It grows in subalpine woodlands and alpine meadows. These are places high up in the mountains, just below the treeline or above it. Sometimes, you can see large groups of these flowers covering the ground.
When Does It Bloom?
The avalanche lily usually blooms in late spring. This is shortly after the snow has melted away. You might even spot them flowering into midsummer. They often grow right at the edges of melting snowfields. In some parts of the Cascade Range, you can find them blooming with other flowers. These include the Clintonia uniflora and Trillium ovatum at lower elevations. Higher up, they might grow alongside the Anemone occidentalis.
What Does It Look Like?
The avalanche lily has some unique features. Its leaves are long and narrow, shaped like a spear. They are also a solid green color, without any spots or patterns. The flowers have white petals, but if you look closely, you'll see a yellow base. These petals are actually called tepals. They are a mix of sepals and petals.
Similar Flowers
The avalanche lily looks a lot like another flower called Erythronium grandiflorum. The main difference is the color of their flowers. Erythronium grandiflorum usually has yellow flowers. Both types of lilies can be found in the same areas.
