Lilies are perhaps one of the most important flowers historically, symbolically, and even horticulturally! They have been popular with thousands of years. Native lily species of North America were utilized by many Native American Tribes. Their bulbs are sought after, edible delicacies.
Native lilies are generally slower to establish than their exotic, domestic counterparts that are commonly found in garden centers. Patience is key, along with fertile, well-drained soils.
Not all species are in stock at all time, quantities ae usually limited. We patiently hand-grow m any of these by seed. Give them protection from animals, hot sun, and strong winds to give them the best chance in your garden. Be sure to match each species to their preferred planting site. Fertile soil is a must.
See what’s available now here: Availability
Lilium canadense Canada Lily
- 24 to 48 inches tall
- May multiply by rhizomatous bulbs
- Part shade to full sun
- Average to moist soils; tolerates clay and occasional flooding
- Orange or scarlet, drooping bell shaped flowers arranged like a chandelier – up to 20 blooms!
- Matures slowly, but worth the wait!
- HARD TO FIND!
- Butterflies, pollinators, hummingbirds
Lilium michiganense Michigan lily
- 2 to 5 feet tall
- 1 to 2 foot spread
- Full sun to part shade
- Moist; well drained soils to wet soils in meadows & streamsides Numerous scarlet-orange, speckled flowers with reflexed petals in mid-summer
- Patience! Our native lilies take a few years to establish
- Butterflies, pollinators, hummingbirds
Lilium philadelphicum Wood Lily
- 12 to 16 inches tall
- Full sun to part shade
- Moist to average, well-drained, fertile soils
- Upward facing, orange flowers with brown speckles in summer
- Best to plant with other smaller plants to reduce competition
- RARE in cultivation, and very difficult to find for sale
- Butterflies, pollinators, hummingbirds
Lilium superbum Turk’s Cap Lily
- 4 to 10 feet tall
- 24 to 36 inch spread – spreads by rhizomatous bulbs
- Full sun to part shade
- Average to moist, fertile, slightly acidic well-drained soils
- Reddish-orange, speckled flowers with recurved petals – similar to tiger lilies
- Our largest, most robust lily!
- Butterflies, pollinators, hummingbirds
