Wood Lily (Lilium philadelphicum): Native Prairie Jewel

Lilium philadelphicum, the Wood Lily, Philadelphia Lily, or Prairie Lily, is a stunning native North American species in the Liliaceae family. It produces 1 to 3 upright, orange-red to red flowers with purple spots and a yellow throat, on 1 to 3 foot stems in early to mid-summer.

The whorled, narrow leaves are distinctive. It prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soil in full sun to partial shade. A difficult but rewarding species for native plant gardens and prairies. Endangered in some areas.

Taxonomic Details