Lilium philadelphicum
characteristics
Scarlet flowers with contrasting purple-brown spots surrounded by deep yellow halos. Flower petals are narrower at the base giving an unusual see-through effect. When not in bloom this plant is often overlooked. Seeds are 3 sided capsules about 2.5 cm long. Grown from seed, this plant may take up to four years to produce flowers. Vegetatively reproduces from bulbs composed of starchy scales. Overpicking and increased use of herbicides has led to declining numbers.
Floral emblem of the Province of Saskatchewan.
Starts from seed, bulb.
| T | SSN | H | W | sun | soil | H2O | fire | N2 | pH | summer | fall | flower (seed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | CW | 0.6 | 0.2 | S | F-M-C | DM | ••• | - | 6.1-7.8 | green-pale | grey | scarlet |
habitat
Fields, meadows, roadside ditches.
uses
Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
Bulbs were boiled and eaten by North American aboriginals.
Bulbs are a popular food source for voles, hence the Cree name: mouse-root.
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