The plants are believed to be a mutation or sport of the white trout lily (Erythronium albidum) and evolved following the most recent ice age.

Erythronium albidum, Erythronium americanum, interspecific pollen transfer, pollination, unilateral incompatibility.

Erythronium albidum (white fawnlily or white trout lily) is a small herbaceous flowering plant in the lily family.

To determine whether interspecific pollen transfer could reduce seed production by two sympatric lilies, Erythronium albidum and Erythronium americanum, we hand-pollinated flowers with mixtures of conspecific and heterospecific pollen.

Research suggests that E. propullans rarely reproduces from seed on its own, but is highly dependent on vegetative reproduction, or limited cross pollination with Erythronium albidum, thus limiting population growth and spread of the species.

Patterns of dry matter distribution to male and female organs and to ancillary floral organs were examined in five angiosperm species with hermaphrodite flowers (Lilium superbum, Hibiscus trionum, Podophyllum peltatum, Trillium grandiflorum, and Erythronium albidum).