Montane. Openings, meadows. Spring.
Lower Stoner Mesa Trail, May 26, 2004.

Not long after snow melt, Glacier Lilies are found in large showy colonies but may also appear scattered through open woods and meadows.  Their distinctive bright yellow reflexed petals are eye-catching and poetic.

"Erythro" is Greek for "red" and may refer to the color of some species (not in our area) or to the more often found red anthers.

Meriwether Lewis collected the first specimen of this plant in present-day Idaho near the Clearwater River in 1806.  Frederick Pursh named it in 1814.

Montane. Openings, meadows. Spring.
Lower Stoner Mesa Trail, May 26, 2004.

A single bud emerges from the center of upright, narrow leaves, and then petals unfold and begin to curl.

Montane. Openings, meadows. Spring.
Narraguinnep Natural Area, May 28, 2004.

Gone to seed and still beautiful.

Montane. Openings, meadows. Spring.
Horse Creek Trail, June 6, 2004.

When snow recedes, Glacier Lilies unfold.