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Hixson, John
Lilium philadelphicum L.
Wood lily
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
Synonyms: Lilium philadelphicum var. andinum, Lilium umbellatum
USDA Symbol: LIPH
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red , OrangeBloom Time: Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CO , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NY , OH , PA , RI , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV , WYCanada: 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 , ShadeSoil 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: HummingbirdsUse 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
Propagation
Description: Propagation is easiest from division of the scaly bulb, which can be dug as soon as the plant goes dormant and the seed is ripe in late summer. Seeds planted just after collection with usually germinate in the fall and overwinter as tiny bullbs, resumingSeed Collection: Collect 6-8 weeks after bloom period when the capsule have turned brown and begun to split. Store seeds moist in sealed, refrigerated containers.
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Native flowers for Door County, Wisconsin
September 02, 2009
We recently were required to put in a new septic system on our vacation property in Door County, WI. This left us with a clearing on our wooded lot where the septic field is now located. The installer...
view the full question and answer
Bibliography
* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.Search More Titles in Bibliography
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1993 VOL. 10, NO.1 - Protecting Trees During Construction, Partnership of Developers and Contractors ...
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Lilium philadelphicum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Lilium philadelphicum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Lilium philadelphicum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-12-07Research By: TWC Staff
