Minnesota Wildflowers


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Lilium philadelphicum (Wood Lily)

Plant Info
Also known as: Western Orange-cup Lily, Western Red Lily
Genus:Lilium
Family:Liliaceae (Lily)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:native
Habitat:part shade, sun; dry woods, meadows, prairies
Bloom season:June - August
Plant height:1 to 3 feet
County distribution (click map to enlarge):Minnesota county distribution map

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Detailed Information

Flower: Flower shape: 6-petals

[photo of flowers] Typically 1 to 3 flowers at the top of the stem, occasionally up to 5. Flowers are 2½ inches across, have 6 petal-like tepals, deep orange to red, or uncommonly nearly all yellow, yellow at the base and marked by dark maroon brown spots. Tepals are spatula shaped, abruptly narrowed at the base, the upper blade portion tapering to a pointed tip.

Leaves and stem: Leaf attachment: alternate whorl Leaf type: simple

[photo of leaves] Leaves are generally elliptical, 2 to 4 inches long, ½ to 1 inch wide, toothless and hairless with a pointed tip, alternately attached on the lower stem and whorled at top, with 4 to 11 leaves in a whorl. The main stem is smooth and unbranched.

Notes:

Wood Lily is the most widespread native lily species in Minnesota and in North America. Minnesota's var. andinum is the more western subspecies, var. philadelphicum is eastern, being differenciated by leaves in whorls throughout the stem. While beautiful to the human eye, it is also an imortant part of the food web. In any given population, single plants are typically found scattered around the area. In a grassy locale they are difficult to spot when not in bloom.

Where to buy native seed and plants

Help support this site by buying seeds & plants from these vendors. Tell them we sent you!

  • Landscape Alternatives - Distinctive Native Plants since 1986!
  • Prairie Restorations - Bringing people together with the land
  • Shop for native seeds and plants at PrairieMoon.com!
  • Out Back Nursery and Landscaping - Where Ecology and Horticulture Unite
  • Shooting Star Native Seeds - Native Prairie Grass and Wildflower Seeds

Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

More photos

Photos by K. Chayka taken in Cass County. Photos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk taken in Cass County and in a private garden in Anoka County.

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?

Posted by: Carol in Park Rapids, Hubbard County
on: 2011-01-15 20:10:45

I saw one a year or so after I built a house and put in a driveway in 1990. It was along the driveway. I wish I had marked the spot and protected it as much as possible. I haven't seen it since.

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