Hixson, John
Lilium philadelphicum L.
Wood lily
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
Wood lily’s stalk rises 1-3 ft. and is topped by upright, cup-shaped, purple-spotted, red-orange flowers. 1-5 funnel-shaped flowers, mostly red to orange with purplish-brown spots, on an erect
stem with
whorled leaves. There are usually one to four flowers per plant. The leaves of this
perennial are long and narrow and arranged in whorls. (The lower leaves of the western variety, var. andinum, are scattered rather than whorled.) The
fruit is a pod.
Once much more common than now. It is too often picked by visitors to the mountains. It also disappears rapidly from intensively grazed meadowland. The bulbs were gathered for food by Indians. A variety of this species, found in the Midwest, has leaves scattered along the stem. Among several southern species, the Southern Red Lily (
L. catesbaei) has
alternate, lanceolate leaves pressed against the
stem, and the Orange Lily (
L. bulbiferum), a European
native, has
sepals and petals downy within and bulblets in the axils of the upper leaves.
Image Gallery:
15 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Leaf Complexity: Simple Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red , Orange
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CO , CT , DE , GA , IL , IN , IA , KY , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MT , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NY , NC , ND , OH , PA , RI , SD , TN , TX , VT , VA , WV , WI , WY , DC
Canada: AB ,
MB ,
ON ,
QC ,
SK Native Distribution: S. Que. to s.e. B.C., s. to NC mts., NE & NM mts.
Native Habitat: Deciduous forest openings; prairies
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Well-drained, humus-rich soils.
Conditions Comments: Since there are different regional varieties of this species, it is important to use a reputable supplier as close to home as possible. Cross-pollination is necessary for wood lilies to produce seed, so if seed is desired, plant several bulbs. Bulbs may require protection from rodents.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Hummingbirds
Use Medicinal: Many tribes gathered the bulbs of wood lily for food and medicine. The bulbs are said to have an excellent flavour. As well, the abundant, nutritious pollen can be dusted on various dishes. Medicinally, the bulbs were once cooked and then applied to sores, bruises, swellings or wounds. They were also used to make a medicinal tea for treating stomach problems, coughs and fevers and for helping women in labour diliver the afterbirth. (Kershaw)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Hummingbirds
Last Update: 2012-12-07
