Carolina Lily
Lilium michauxii
- Native to:
- United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © lauramorganclark (iNaturalist #15021794)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Liliaceae
- Genus:
- Lilium
- Species:
- Lilium michauxii
- USDA Symbol:
- LIMI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- orange, yellow, red
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Burdock Borer (Papaipema cataphracta), stalk borer moth (Papaipema nebris), yellow borer moth (Papaipema cerina)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, butterflies
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to pine forests and sandy woods
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days; germination is epigeal and may be slow.