Meadow Lily
Lilium canadense
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Pl. 3F52 — Lilium canadense
Lilium canadenseLilium canadenseLilium canadenseLilium canadenseLilium canadenseLilium canadenseLilium canadenseLilium canadenseLilium canadenseLilium canadenseLilium canadenseLilium canadenseLilium canadenseLilium canadense
IOverview
Overview
Meadow Lily (Lilium canadense) is a native North American species that thrives in habitats ranging from Alabama to Virginia and beyond. This lily prefers moist conditions and light to partial sun, making it a versatile addition to gardens or natural landscapes. Known for its edible root parts, which can be used as a substitute for garlic, this plant is both ornamental and useful. Its distinctive feature includes large, nodding white flowers with orange spots at the base, adding a striking touch of color in meadows and woodlands. Meadow Lily grows to about 1.5 meters tall and is hardy in zones 4-8, making it suitable for various climates within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Meadow Lily?
Meadow Lily (Lilium canadense) is a native North American species that thrives in habitats ranging from Alabama to Virginia and beyond. This lily prefers moist conditions and light to partial sun, making it a versatile addition to gardens or natural landscapes.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Meadow Lily thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light or medium in texture. It grows best in hardiness zones 4-8, making it adaptable to a range of temperate climates. For optimal growth, keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Harvest edible root parts for culinary use. This forb/herb can reach heights of 1.5 meters and is native to eastern North America, from Maine to Georgia and westward.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Meadow Lily for the first time
8steps
Start with Meadow Lilies to add a touch of wild beauty to your garden, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small bulbs, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late summer for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with moist, light soil that gets partial sun to full sun. Amend the soil with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 5-10 cm deep and about 20 cm apart in well-draining soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the area moist but not waterlogged. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in late fall after the leaves turn yellow but before they completely die back.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting mulching, and not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Meadow Lily's roots are edible and can be prepared in various ways. They are typically dug up in the fall and can be eaten raw or cooked. Some may choose to dry the roots for later use. Skip processing them into teas as they are not commonly used in this manner.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
26 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
26 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 26 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, Rhode I., South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Masachusettes, Maine
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 3f52b177-7cee-49b9-a197-d054a5192e08
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