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Lilium distichum

Lilium distichumfam. Liliaceae
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Lilium distichum (Lilium distichum) — botanical photograph
Pl. 49DC — Lilium distichum
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I

Overview

Lilium distichum, commonly known as the Manchurian lily, is a hardy perennial from the Liliaceae family, native to regions including Amur, Khabarovsk, Korea, Manchuria, and Primorye. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil, growing up to 1 meter tall. The leaves and roots of Lilium distichum are edible, with the leaves being eaten raw or cooked and the roots often used in dried form. These parts are incorporated into various dishes, adding a unique flavor to meals. In Chinese medicine, Lilium species, including Lilium distichum, have traditionally been used for immune support and digestive issues. A decoction made from the roots may help bolster the body's defenses against common ailments and support healthy digestion. While the plant is generally safe, caution should be exercised when using it medicinally, as individual responses may vary.

Quick answers

What is Lilium distichum?

Lilium distichum, commonly known as the Manchurian lily, is a hardy perennial from the Liliaceae family, native to regions including Amur, Khabarovsk, Korea, Manchuria, and Primorye. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil, growing up to 1 meter tall.

What is Lilium distichum used for?

Traditionally used for immune support, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Compare with:Alstroemeria revoluta→Alstroemeria versicolor→Bamboo Lily→all comparisons →
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Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Lilium distichum
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Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

2 claims · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Lilium species have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for immune support, with Lilium distichum being part of this genus. A decoction made from the roots may help bolster the body's defenses against common ailments.

    The mechanism is not fully characterised but involves bioactive compounds that interact with the immune system to enhance its function.

    ▲ ModerateImmune support →
  • Lilium species are traditionally used in Chinese medicine for digestive issues, with Lilium distichum being part of this genus. A decoction made from the roots may help soothe and support healthy digestion.

    The mechanism is not fully characterised but involves bioactive compounds that interact with the gastrointestinal system to promote comfort and function.

    ▲ ModerateDigestion →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Lilium distichum support blend
general
tea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Lilium distichum thrives in full to partial sun, with moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) to medium in texture. It is hardy in zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. To propagate, gardeners can use division or seed sowing. The plant reaches a height of 1 meter and is native to areas such as Amur, Khabarovsk, Korea, Manchuria, and Primorye. Traditionally, the leaves and roots are edible and used in Chinese medicine for immune support and digestive issues. A decoction made from the roots may help bolster the body's defenses against common ailments and support healthy digestion.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Lilium distichum for the first time

8steps

Start with Skip by planting it in a sunny spot and providing basic care.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Skip bulbs, garden soil, compost, mulch.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant Skip bulbs in early fall or late winter for best results.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy) to medium. Amend the soil with compost before planting.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Plant bulbs 10-15 cm deep, with the pointed end up and spaced about 20 cm apart.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water the newly planted Skip bulbs thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during this period.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun to partial shade, keep the soil consistently moist, and mulch around the plants in winter for protection.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Skip is primarily grown for its ornamental value. Prune dead leaves after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Planting too deep, not providing enough water, neglecting mulching in winter, and over-fertilizing.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The leaves and roots of Lilium distichum are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, while the roots are typically used in dried form. These parts are often incorporated into various dishes, adding a unique flavor to meals.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

5 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 5 native
Asia2 regions
native (2)ChinaSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Amur, Khabarovsk, Primorye
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Lilium distichum (Lilium distichum) — botanical photograph
Lilium distichum (Lilium distichum)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

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