42.14254761, -87.78850555
42.14846039, -87.79212952
Wood Lily
Lilium philadelphicum has red-orange flowers with purplish- brown spots. The flowers are outfacing and cup shaped on stems that stand 1 to 3 feet tall. A single stalk will have 1 to 5 blooms and narrow leaves arranged in whorls. Lilium philadelphicum, or wood lily as it is sometimes known, is naturally occurring in mountainous meadowlands. The bulbs were gathered by Native Americans for food. Unfortunately, this lily has been disappearing from areas where it is over grazed, picked by visitors, or destroyed by urban development. The grace and beauty of this lily makes it a lovely addition to the garden. Lilies love full sun, but will do well in partial shade. They tolerate hot summer days, as long as the bulbs are deep enough to remain cool. Lower plants surrounding the lilies will help protect their roots from drying out. As a lily becomes more established, it will produce more blooms on higher stems. Lilies make an excellent cut flower with long lasting blooms and buds that continue to mature and open after cutting.