Swamp Lily
Lilium superbum
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Pl. FDEB — Lilium superbum
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IOverview
Overview
Swamp Lily, scientifically known as Lilium superbum, is a striking member of the Liliaceae family, native to eastern North America. This plant thrives in moist environments and can be found across states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Known for its ornamental value, Swamp Lily also has edible roots that can be consumed. It prefers full to partial sun, light or medium soil, and grows up to 2.4 meters tall, making it a notable addition to gardens and natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Swamp Lily?
Swamp Lily, scientifically known as Lilium superbum, is a striking member of the Liliaceae family, native to eastern North America.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Swamp Lily thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist conditions, making it suitable for areas with light or medium soil. It is hardy in zones 4-9 and can grow up to 2.4 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently damp but well-draining. Propagation can be done through root division. The plant is native to eastern North America and is both ornamental and edible, with its roots being the edible part.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-9
Mature size
2.4 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Swamp Lily for the first time
8steps
Start with Swamp Lily to gain experience in growing lilies, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Swamp Lily bulbs or seedlings, a trowel, mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist, light soil; amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Dig holes 15 cm deep and 30 cm apart for bulbs; plant seedlings at the same depth they were in their container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch around plants.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light to partial sun, and continue regular watering. Fertilize once a year with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead flowers to encourage more blooms but do not harvest roots for eating.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, neglecting mulch, and using chemical fertilizers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Swamp Lily's roots are edible and can be prepared in various ways. They are typically dug from the ground and used fresh or dried before being cooked. Skip processing them raw as they may not be palatable.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
27 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
27 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 27 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode I., South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Masachusettes
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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