Wood Lily
Lilium philadelphicum
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Pl. 704C — Lilium philadelphicum
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IOverview
Overview
The Wood Lily (Lilium philadelphicum) is a native North American species that thrives in the eastern and central United States as well as parts of Canada. Known for its ornamental value and edible roots, this lily can be found growing in moist to dry soils under full sun or partial shade across states like Illinois, Indiana, Connecticut, and Georgia. Its light requirements range from full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable to various environments. Standing at about 1 meter tall, the Wood Lily is a striking forb/herb that adds beauty to gardens and natural landscapes. While primarily appreciated for its ornamental qualities, the plant also offers edible roots that can be harvested.
Quick answers
What is Wood Lily?
The Wood Lily (Lilium philadelphicum) is a native North American species that thrives in the eastern and central United States as well as parts of Canada.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Wood Lily thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows up to 1 meter tall. Propagation can be done through root division. The plant is native to a wide range of eastern North American states and provinces, making it adaptable to various climates.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Wood Lily for the first time
8steps
Start with Wood Lilies to gain experience in growing lilies, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Wood Lily bulbs or seeds, a trowel, mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late summer for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to partial sun. Ensure the soil is well-draining, rich, and slightly acidic.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 5-10 cm deep and 15-20 cm apart in the garden. For seeds, sow them shallowly in spring.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch lightly to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly during dry spells and mulch annually. Fertilize once a year with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead flowers to encourage more blooms, but avoid cutting back foliage until it yellows naturally.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, neglecting mulch, not providing enough light, and using heavy fertilizers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The wood lily's root is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is often dug up and eaten raw or cooked. The roots can also be dried for later use. Skip the detailed preparation methods as they are not provided in the data.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:South Carolina, Massachusetts, Alberta, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, Rhode I.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 704c302d-7a20-45af-910c-ce8ca7c754de
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