Skunk Lily
Lilium cernuumfam. Liliaceae
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Pl. 7B17 — Lilium cernuum
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IOverview
Overview
Lilium cernuum, commonly known as the nodding lily, is a member of the Liliaceae family and thrives in the cooler regions of Korea, Manchuria, and Primorye. This plant is valued for its edible root, which can be used in various culinary applications. It prefers light to partial shade with moist soil that is well-draining and rich in sand or medium texture. The nodding lily grows up to 0.6 meters tall and is known for its delicate, nodding flowers that add ornamental value to gardens. Its hardiness ranges from zones 3-7, making it adaptable to a variety of climates within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Skunk Lily?
Lilium cernuum, commonly known as the nodding lily, is a member of the Liliaceae family and thrives in the cooler regions of Korea, Manchuria, and Primorye. This plant is valued for its edible root, which can be used in various culinary applications.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lilium cernuum thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium in texture. It is hardy in zones 3-7, making it suitable for temperate regions. For optimal growth, keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogged conditions. The plant reaches a height of about 0.6 meters and can be propagated through root division. Harvest its edible roots for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-7
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Skunk Lily for the first time
8steps
Start with Skunk Lily to gain experience in growing lilies, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Skunk Lily bulbs or seedlings, a trowel, mulch, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Skunk Lilies in early spring or late summer for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare containers if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs about 10 cm deep and 20 cm apart in full to partial sun.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the Skunk Lilies regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells, mulch around the base for moisture retention, and fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead flowers to encourage more blooms but avoid cutting back foliage until it naturally dies down.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, and neglecting to mulch are common issues beginners should watch out for.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Lilium cernuum is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is commonly used raw or cooked, providing a mild flavor to dishes. Drying the roots is another method for preservation.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 3 native
Asia2 regions
native (2)ChinaSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Primorye
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Liliaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Liliaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 7b1725cb-1db9-4b18-bac7-acfb7a6f383f
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