Minor turk’s-cap lily (Lilium pomponium, Sp. pl. 1:302. 1753)

Family: Liliaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 1:302. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lilium

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. Alps

Description

The Minor Turk’s-cap Lily, scientifically known as Lilium pomponium, is a captivating and elegant species belonging to the family Liliaceae. First described by the renowned botanist Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753, this lily has since captivated botanists and gardeners alike.

Endemic to the southwestern Alps, the Minor Turk’s-cap Lily thrives in the unique, mountainous habitats found in this region. The environment offers the ideal conditions for the species, which includes well-drained soils and an elevation range that fosters its distinctive growth patterns.

Characterized by its striking, turban-like flowers, Lilium pomponium stands out amidst the alpine flora. The flowers typically exhibit a rich, vibrant red to orange hue, adorned with subtle spotting that adds to their visual appeal. The petals are recurved, curving backward sharply to reveal prominent stamens and pistils, a feature that is typical of Turk’s-cap lilies and contributes to their common name.

The plant’s slender, upright stems can support several of these nodding flowers, making it a standout in any alpine meadow. The foliage consists of narrow, lance-shaped leaves that grow in a whorled pattern along the stem, providing a lush green backdrop that enhances the striking colors of the flowers.

Adapted to survive in rocky crevices and slopes, the Minor Turk’s-cap Lily is a hardy species that exemplifies the beauty and resilience of alpine plants. Its blooming period generally falls in the early to mid-summer months, depending on the local climate conditions.

The Minor Turk’s-cap Lily not only plays a crucial role in its natural ecosystem by attracting pollinators but also holds horticultural value. It is a sought-after species for rock gardens and alpine collections, valued for its distinctive beauty and historic botanical significance.

Conservation efforts are essential to protect this beautiful lily, particularly as its natural habitat faces pressures from climate change and human activity. By appreciating and preserving Lilium pomponium, we ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at this enchanting lily of the southwestern Alps.

Common Names

Eng: lesser turk’s-cap lily, little turk’s-cap lily, minor turk’s-cap lily, pompon lily, turban lily
Swe: scharlakanslilja
Fra: lis de pompone, lis turban
Ita: giglio a fiocco
En: Minor Turk’s-cap lily, Lesser Turk’s-cap lily, Pompon lily, Turban lily, Little Turk’s-cap lily, Red Lily
Fr: Lis Turban, Lis de Pompone
De: Seealpen-Lilie, Rote Lilie
It: Giglio a fiocco, Giglio pomponio
Sv: Scharlakanslilja
: Minor turk’s-cap lily

Synonyms

• Lilium angustifolium (Mill.)
• Lilium rubrum var. pomponium ((L.) P.Fourn.)
• Lilium rubrum (Lam.)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Italy (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jun 16, 2018 by ju689 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean MELLINGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jérôme BERNIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

© 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 Apr 21, 2021 by laura (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2021 by laura (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2018 by ju689 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2017 by Maarten Van Der Vlist (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2021 by laura (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 22, 2019 by russancastellas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2022 by Cerise (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2020 by Frédéric Lançon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2022 by Muriel JALLOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2022 by Ντραγκόι Βιόλα (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 1999 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 1999 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7976992)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:537738-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lilium pomponium L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 4