Kellogg'S Lily

lilium kelloggii

The Kellogg's Lily (Lilium kelloggii) is a striking and elegant perennial native to the moist, shady forests of northwestern California and southwestern Oregon. Renowned for its exquisite beauty and intoxicating fragrance, this lily is a true jewel of its habitat. Growing from a scaly, deep-seated bulb, it sends up a tall, slender stem adorned with distinctive whorled leaves, culminating in a spectacular display of nodding, recurved flowers. Its captivating appearance and sweet perfume make it a highly sought-after species by botanists and nature enthusiasts alike, embodying the delicate yet resilient charm of the Pacific Northwest flora.

Habitat: Found on moist, well-drained slopes within redwood forests, mixed evergreen forests, and chaparral communities, often in partial shade at moderate elevations.

Appearance

Kellogg's Lily is characterized by its tall stature, typically reaching heights of 60 to 150 centimeters. The leaves are arranged in distinctive whorls around the stem, often with scattered leaves above. Its most identifying feature is the flower, which boasts strongly recurved petals that curl backward, revealing the prominent stamens. The flowers are generally white to pinkish-purple, often adorned with numerous small, dark purple or reddish-brown spots and a yellowish-green stripe down the center of each petal, creating a visually intricate pattern.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderLilialesFamilyLiliaceaeGenusLilium

Kellogg'S Lily

Interesting facts

Kellogg's Lily is particularly prized by gardeners and collectors for its intense fragrance and unique flower form, though it can be challenging to cultivate outside its specific native conditions.

The bulbs of Kellogg's Lily were traditionally consumed by indigenous peoples of its native range, cooked or baked for their starchy content.

This lily was named in honor of Dr. Albert Kellogg, a prominent physician and botanist who was one of California's first resident botanists.

Unlike many lilies with outward-facing flowers, the strongly recurved petals of Lilium kelloggii create an almost 'turban-like' appearance.

Special abilities

The flowers emit a strong, sweet, and pleasing fragrance, especially noticeable in the evening, which serves to attract specific nocturnal pollinators such as moths.

Its uniquely recurved petals curl back tightly, creating an open and accessible structure that effectively showcases its stamens and nectaries, guiding pollinators to the reproductive parts.

Growing from a deep-seated, scaly bulb provides a natural defense mechanism, allowing the plant to store nutrients and survive periods of drought or minor surface fires.

Measurements & details

Length: 60-150 cm
Weight: 0.1-0.5 kg
Lifespan: 5-15 years
Clutch Size: 50-200

Diet & Feeding

As an autotrophic plant, Kellogg's Lily produces its own food through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. It absorbs essential mineral nutrients from the soil via its root system.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon dioxide
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Potassium

Foraging Method

Absorption

Ecological connections

pollinator

Sphinx Moth

Manduca sexta

Moths are attracted to the strong fragrance and often pollinate the flowers.

eaten by

Black-tailed Deer

Odocoileus hemionus columbianus

Deer and other herbivores may browse on the foliage and flowers.

eaten by

Pacific Sideband Snail

Monadenia fidelis

Slugs and snails can consume leaves and petals, especially on younger plants.

mutualism

Mycorrhizal Fungi

Various species

Mycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship with the lily's roots, aiding in nutrient absorption.

Traits

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Also known as

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Kellogg'S Lily?

The easiest way to identify Kellogg'S Lily is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Kellogg'S Lily?

60-150 cm

How much does Kellogg'S Lily weigh?

0.1-0.5 kg

How long does Kellogg'S Lily live?

5-15 years

What does Kellogg'S Lily eat?

Where is Kellogg'S Lily usually found?

Found on moist, well-drained slopes within redwood forests, mixed evergreen forests, and chaparral communities, often in partial shade at moderate elevations.

How does Kellogg'S Lily hunt?

Absorption

How many eggs does Kellogg'S Lily lay?

50-200