Kingdom Plantae Family Liliaceae Scientific name Lilium parvum Rank Species | Order Liliales Genus Lilium Higher classification Lily | |
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Similar Lily, Lilium kelleyanum, Lilium washingtonianum, Lilium kelloggii, Lilium maritimum | ||
Lilium parvum is a species of lily known by the common names Sierra tiger lily and alpine lily. It is native to the mountains of the western United States, primarily the Sierra Nevada of California but also with additional populations in northwestern Nevada and southwestern Oregon. The plant grows in high altitude forests, sending up flowering stalks during the summer months.
Description
The flowers of Lilium parvum are smaller that those of other lilies, and more bell-shaped than most others. They are yellowish-orange to dark orange-red with lighter orange or yellow centers. The petals are spotted with purple or brown markings. There is a variety that bears lighter pink flowers in the foothills of El Dorado County, California, which is known by the informal common name ditch lily. The plant also readily hybridizes with other Lilium species growing close by.
