avalanche lily

noun

1. either of two plants, Erythronium grandiflorum or E. montanum, of the lily family, of the mountains of northwestern North America, having nodding yellow or white flowers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of avalanche lily¹

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15; apparently so called because it is found near the snow line or the edge of glaciers

Example Sentences

A dogtooth violet, commonly called avalanche lily, is abundant.

From Project Gutenberg

The most noticeable and abundant flower on all slopes is the avalanche lily (erythronium montanum).

From Project Gutenberg