Canada lily (Lilium canadense, Sp. pl. 1:303. 1753)

Family: Liliaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 1:303. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lilium

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to E. U.S.A.

Description

The Canada lily, scientifically known as Lilium canadense, is an enchanting species of flowering plant belonging to the Liliaceae family. Described for the first time in 1753, this perennial plant has captured the admiration of botanists and plant enthusiasts for centuries.

Native to Eastern Canada and the Eastern United States, the Canada lily thrives in a variety of habitats, from damp meadows to woodlands. Recognizable by its tall, elegant stems, which can reach heights of up to 2 meters, this lily is crowned with striking nodding flowers. The blossoms are a vibrant mix of yellow, orange, and red, often speckled with dark spots, which dangle gracefully from the plant.

The Canada lily’s blooming period extends from late spring to mid-summer, offering a beautiful display of color at a time of year when many other wildflowers have finished blooming. The flowers are primarily pollinated by insects, including bumblebees and butterflies, which are attracted by their bright colors and nectar.

This species has a preference for moist, well-drained soils and partial shade, although it can also tolerate full sun. Due to its specific habitat requirements, the Canada lily can be sensitive to environmental changes and is sometimes considered at risk in areas where wetland drainage and deforestation occur.

Historically, indigenous peoples and early settlers utilized the bulbs of the Canada lily for their nutritional and medicinal properties. The bulbs were often boiled or roasted and used in various stews and treatments, showcasing the plant’s importance beyond its ornamental value.

The Canada lily’s delicate beauty and ecological role underscore the importance of preserving its natural habitats. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure that this charming plant continues to grace our landscapes for generations to come.

Common Names

Eng: canada lily, meadow lily, turk’s-cap lily, wild meadow lily, wild yellow lily, yellow lily, yellow-bell lily
Swe: kanadalilja
Fra: lis de canada, lis du canada
En: Canada lily, Turk’s-cap lily, Meadow lily, Wild yellow lily, Yellow lily, Wild meadow lily, Yellow-bell lily
Fr: Lis de Canada, Lis du Canada
Sv: Kanadalilja

Synonyms

• Lilium canadense var. coccineum (Pursh)
• Lilium michiganense f. peramoenum ((Farw.) Stoker)
• Lilium canadense var. rubrum (T.Moore)
• Lilium philadelphicum subsp. editorum ((Fernald) Wherry)
• Lilium canadense f. flavum ((Pursh) Vict.)
• Lilium canadense var. flavum (Pursh)
• Lilium canadense f. rubrum (Britton)
• Lilium canadense var. editorum (Fernald)
• Lilium canadense var. pluriflorum (Hook.)
• Lilium canadense f. peramoenum ((Farw.) B.Boivin & Cody)
• Lilium penduliflorum (Redouté)
• Lilium canadense var. uniflorum (Hook.)
• Lilium canadense var. rubroflavum (T.Moore)
• Lilium peramoenum (Farw.)
• Lilium pulchrum (Salisb.)
• Lilium canadense var. hartwegii (Baker)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (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.

Flower

Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Aline Baron (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Calvin St.Croix (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Fontaine I (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2020 by Alfred Pfitzinger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by Majorkami (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 5, 2014 by EOL − Kyle Jones (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 4, 2014 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 4, 2014 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 25, 2015 by EOL − Dave Behm (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Aline Baron (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Banana Doggo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2020 by Garlen Maxson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2019 by Darcy Winds (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2020 by Yannika Poirier-Martin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Aline Baron (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2753239)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:537510-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lilium canadense L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth