Family: Liliaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2.: 434 (1762)
Year: 1762
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lilium
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: EC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The American Turk’s-cap Lily, scientifically known as Lilium superbum, is a striking and elegant flowering plant belonging to the Liliaceae family. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in the second edition of his seminal work, Species Plantarum in 1762, this species has long captivated botanists and garden enthusiasts alike.
Native to the eastern and central regions of the United States, the American Turk’s-cap Lily thrives in moist, well-drained soils typically found in meadows, woodlands, and along streams. The plant can reach impressive heights, often growing between 3 to 8 feet tall, making it a prominent feature in its natural habitat.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of Lilium superbum is its beautifully reflexed petals, which curl backwards to form a unique “turk’s-cap” shape, giving the flower its common name. The striking blooms display a vibrant color palette, ranging from orange to reddish hues, often adorned with reddish-brown spots. These flowers usually appear in mid to late summer, attracting a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds, which are drawn to their nectar.
The American Turk’s-cap Lily is also notable for its robust, leafy stems that support multiple flowers, sometimes as many as 40 on a single plant. This abundant flowering makes it a popular choice for cultivation in gardens, where it can be used to create stunning displays of color and height.
Cultivating Lilium superbum requires some attention to its natural preferences. Gardeners should plant the bulbs in areas that receive partial to full sunlight and ensure the soil remains consistently moist yet well-drained. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and protect the roots during colder seasons.
Despite its beauty and appeal, the American Turk’s-cap Lily faces threats from habitat loss and deer browsing in the wild. Conservation efforts focus on preserving its natural habitats and promoting cultivation to prevent its decline.
In summary, Lilium superbum, or the American Turk’s-cap Lily, is a breathtaking plant that holds a special place in the rich tapestry of North American flora. Its unique flower structure, vibrant colors, and ecological significance make it a species worthy of admiration and conservation.
Common Names
Eng: american turk’s-cap lily, lily-royal, swamp lily, turk’s-cap, turk’s-cap lily
Swe: drottninglilja
En: American Turk’s-cap lily, Turk’s-cap, Turk’s-cap lily, Lily-royal, Swamp lily, Superb Lily, Turk’s Cap Lily
Ar: زنبق رائع
Bg: Разкошна лилия
Fr: Lis superbe
De: Amerikanische Türkenbundlilie
Ru: Лилия великолепная
Sv: Drottninglilja
Synonyms
- Lilium superbum var. uniflorum (Hook.)
- Lilium fortunofulgidum (Roane & J.N.Henry)
- Lilium mary-henryae (Roane & J.N.Henry)
- Lilium canadense subsp. superbum ((L.) Baker)
- Lilium gazarubrum (Roane & J.N.Henry)
- Lilium superbum f. plenum (E.T.Browne)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Jul 25, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 29, 2013 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 28, 2014 by EOL − Matt Flower (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Debby Proffitt (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 16, 2022 by David Childress (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Richard Wideman (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2021 by C Barsaloux (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2019 by Jill Tagel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2021 by Ed Delaney (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 25, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2020 by Mark Halvorson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2020 by Leo (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 25, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2753278)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:537809-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lilium superbum L.)