Family: Liliaceae
Author: Farw.
Bibliography: Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 42: 353 (1915)
Year: 1915
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lilium
Vegetable: False
Observations: Ontario to NC. & EC. U.S.A.
Description
The Michigan lily, scientifically known as Lilium michiganense, is a beautiful perennial plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. This striking lily is native to North America, where it thrives in diverse environments ranging from Ontario in Canada to the southeastern regions of the United States, extending as far as North Carolina and throughout the east-central territories.
The Michigan lily is celebrated for its vivid, colorful flowers which typically bloom during the summer months. The blossoms are characterized by their vibrant orange-red or reddish hues, often adorned with charming darker spots. These spectacular flowers are bell-shaped and gracefully hang downward, creating a striking nodding appearance which is further accented by the recurved tips of its petals. Such visual elegance not only attracts human admirers but also plays a crucial role in drawing pollinators, especially butterflies and hummingbirds.
Growing up to 1.5 meters tall, the Michigan lily prefers moist, well-drained soils and can often be found in wet meadows, prairies, and alongside streams or woodland edges. Its adaptability to different soil conditions makes it a versatile addition to many garden settings, particularly in naturalized landscapes where native plantings are emphasized.
This species was meticulously described in a 1915 publication in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club, thanks to the dedicated work of botanist Farwell. Such historical documentation underscores the significance of the Michigan lily in botanical studies and highlights its importance within its native range.
In addition to its ecological and ornamental value, the Michigan lily also holds cultural significance for various indigenous peoples who have traditionally utilized different parts of the plant for medicinal purposes.
By incorporating the Michigan lily into gardens and restoration projects, we not only preserve its natural beauty but also support the biodiversity and ecological integrity of its native habitat. Therefore, it stands as a symbol of nature’s splendor and resilience, beckoning us to appreciate and protect these living treasures.
Common Names
Eng: michigan lily
Fra: lis du michigan
En: Michigan lily
Ar: زنبق ميشيغاني
Fr: Lis du Michigan
De: Michigan-Lilie
Fa: زنبق میشیگان
Synonyms
- Lilium canadense f. uniflorum ((Farw.) B.Boivin & Cody)
- Lilium canadense var. umbelliferum ((Farw.) B.Boivin)
- Lilium michiganense var. uniflorum (Farw.)
- Lilium canadense subsp. michiganense ((Farw.) B.Boivin & Cody)
- Lilium michiganense f. umbelliferum ((Farw.) Wherry)
- Lilium michiganense var. umbelliferum (Farw.)
- Lilium michiganense f. uniflorum ((Farw.) Wherry)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New York (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 3, 2020 by Erin Lillibridge (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2020 by Michael Morin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 13, 2021 by Kid Felix (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Mrs C (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2020 by Warren Bramley (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Ross Kat (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 29, 2022 by Zakk (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2019 by ridgetownrick (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 2, 2007 by EOL − Frank Mayfield (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Aug 15, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 22, 2015 by EOL − scottmohan (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 4, 2013 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 22, 2016 by EOL − pete_woodfox (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 22, 2016 by EOL − pete_woodfox (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2753323)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:140138-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lilium michiganense Farw.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
