Large numbers of this plant indicate that the woodland has never been subjected to heavy machinery, where it would be unable to grow due to soil compaction.

[4] Flowering 2-leaved plants produce a short, slender, red stem 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall, which bear two oblong basal leaves.

[7] The root system consists of a central corm that sends out stolons which allows plants to slowly spread to form large colonies.

Its preferred growing conditions are in part sun to mostly shade and deep, moist loamy soils.

[4] Erythronium albidum does well in humusy, moist, acidic soils, with full to partial shade and can be grown in zones 3 to 8.

[8] European settlers considered it to have similar properties to meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale), and white fawnlily was often used as a substitute for it.

The fresh leaves are mostly used in the form of a stimulating poultice, applied to swellings, tumors and scrofulous ulcers.

The fresh roots or leaves are simmered in milk; or the juice of the plant infused in apple cider; and these treatments are used for dropsy, hiccups, vomiting and bleeding of the bowels.