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Lilium columbianum
columbia lily
Western North America (S British Columbia to N California, east to Idaho/Montana; open woods, meadows, forest clearings; sea level to 6000 ft / 1800 m)
Overview
Lilium columbianum is a bulbous, herbaceous perennial reaching 24–48 inches (60–120 cm) tall. This Pacific Northwest native lily produces pendant, Turk's cap-form flowers with strongly recurved (reflexed) petals, 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across, in golden-yellow to orange-yellow with maroon to dark brown spots. Each stem carries 3–20 flowers in an open, pyramidal raceme from June through July. The whorled, lance-shaped leaves are 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, arranged in tiers of 5–9 along the unbranched stem. The bulb is composed of small, loosely arranged, rhizomatous scales. Dormant in winter. Found from sea level to 6,000 feet (1,800 m) in the wild. Growth rate is slow. Hardy to zone 5.
Native Range
Lilium columbianum is native to western North America, from southern British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, and northern California, and east into Idaho and Montana, in open woods, meadows, and forest clearings.Suggested Uses
Planted in woodland gardens, native plant gardens, meadow edges, and naturalistic plantings at 8–12 inch (20–30 cm) spacing in groups of 5–10 bulbs. The native provenance makes this appropriate for Pacific Northwest native plant gardens. The Turk's cap form and spotted golden-yellow flowers differ from the upright-cupped form of most garden hybrid lilies. Slow to establish. Dormant in winter—empty space November–April. Not suitable for formal borders (slow, informal habit), wet winter soils, or deep shade.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread6" - 8"
Bloom Information
Pendant, Turk's cap-form flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across with strongly recurved petals, golden-yellow to orange-yellow with maroon spots, 3–20 per stem in open pyramidal racemes, from June through July. Bloom duration is 3–4 weeks.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Golden-yellow to orange-yellow with maroon spots; pendant Turks cap form 1.5-2 inches; strongly recurved petalsFoliage Description
Medium green, lance-shaped 2-4 inches; whorled in tiers of 5-9 on unbranched stemGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-7 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant bulbs 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) deep in autumn in partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–7.0). Hardy to zone 5. Native to open woods—tolerates more shade than many lilies. Requires well-drained soil in winter—bulb rot occurs in waterlogged conditions. Do not disturb established bulbs. Slow to establish from seed (3–5 years to flowering).Pruning
Allow foliage and stems to die back naturally after bloom—the bulb needs the foliage to store energy. Remove only fully dead stems in late autumn. Do not cut back green foliage.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons