Rank Species | Genus Lilium Higher classification Lily | |
 | ||
Similar Lily, Lilium canadense, Lilium philadelphicum, Lilium chalcedonicum, Lilium cernuum | ||
Lilium superbum native wild flower the superbum lily
Lilium superbum is a species of true lily native to the eastern and central regions of North America. Common names include Turk's cap lily, turban lily, swamp lily, lily royal, or American tiger lily. The native range of the species extends from New Hampshire south to the Florida Panhandle, west to Missouri and Arkansas, and all the way north to Alberta.
Contents
- Lilium superbum native wild flower the superbum lily
- Lilium superbum tracy
- Description
- Uses
- Status
- Etymology
- Cats
- References
Lilium superbum tracy
Description
Lilium superbum grows from 3–7 feet (0.91–2.13 m) high with typically three to seven blooms, but exceptional specimens have been observed with up to 40 flowers on each stem. It is capable of growing in wet conditions. It is fairly variable in size, form, and color. The color is known to range from a deep yellow to orange to a reddish-orange "flame" coloring with reddish petal tips. The flowers have a green star at their center that can be used to distinguish L. superbum from the Asiatic "tigerlilies" that frequently escape from cultivation.
Uses
The roots were a food source for Native Americans, and the flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds and larger insects.
Status
It is listed as endangered in Florida, New Hampshire, Alberta and Saskatchewan and threatened in Kentucky, and exploitably vulnerable in New York.
Etymology
The common name is derived from the reflexed shape of the flower petals, which presumably resemble a type of hat worn by early Turkish people.
Cats
Cats are extremely sensitive to lily toxicity and ingestion is often fatal; households and gardens which are visited by cats are strongly advised against keeping this plant or placing dried flowers where a cat may brush against them and become dusted with pollen which they then consume while cleaning. Suspected cases require urgent veterinary attention. Rapid treatment with activated charcoal and/or induced vomiting can reduce the amount of toxin absorbed (this is time-sensitive so in some cases vets may advise doing it at home), and large amounts of fluid by IV can reduce damage to kidneys to increase the chances of survival.