Pine Lily

lilium catesbaei

The pine lily (Lilium catesbaei) is a stunning perennial wildflower native to the wet pine savannas and flatwoods of the southeastern United States. Standing tall on a slender, upright stem, this solitary beauty rises above surrounding grasses to showcase a single, magnificent, upward-facing flower. Its fiery coloration and elegant form make it one of the most treasured sights of the coastal plain wetlands. Because it is highly dependent on fire-maintained ecosystems, finding a blooming pine lily is often a sign of a healthy, frequently burned habitat. It plays an important role in its local ecosystem, providing nectar for various long-tongued insects, particularly swallowtail butterflies. Despite its beauty, it is relatively fragile and serves as an ecological indicator of well-preserved, fire-adapted wetlands.

Habitat: Found in wet pine flatwoods, savannas, and acidic bogs that are regularly cleared by wildfire.

Appearance

This striking lily is characterized by a single, large, upright flower measuring up to 15 centimeters across. The petals are dramatically recurved, starting with a brilliant yellow base heavily marked with dark purple or brownish-red spots, which transitions into a vivid orange-red at the tips. Six long, prominent stamens and a central style extend gracefully outward from the throat of the blossom. The plant features a single, erect green stem with sparse, narrow, linear leaves that press closely against the stem, growing from a small, scaly underground bulb.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderLilialesFamilyLiliaceaeGenusLilium

Pine Lily

Interesting facts

It is the only species of lily native to North America that bears completely upright, solitary blossoms.

Its seeds are paper-thin and lightweight, allowing them to be dispersed easily by wind across open, post-fire landscapes.

Without regular brush fires to clear the canopy, the pine lily will remain dormant underground as a bulb and fail to bloom.

Special abilities

It relies on periodic wildfires to clear competing vegetation and stimulate its bulb to grow and produce blooms.

The plant utilizes an underground scaly bulb to store vital nutrients, allowing it to survive harsh droughts, cold seasons, and fire.

It features complex freckled patterns at the center of the blossom that reflect light in patterns optimized to attract specific pollinators.

Measurements & details

Length: 30+ cm
Lifespan: 2+ years
Clutch Size: 50+
Incubation: 30+ days

Diet & Feeding

As a photoautotrophic plant, the pine lily generates its own energy from sunlight via photosynthesis, drawing water and key minerals through its root system from acidic, nutrient-poor wetland soils.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon dioxide
Soil minerals

Ecological connections

mutualism

Palamedes Swallowtail

Papilio palamedes

Main pollinator of the pine lily, drawn to the deep tubular flower base for nectar.

eaten by

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Occasionally grazes on the tender stems and flowering buds of the pine lily.

mutualism

Cloudless Sulphur

Phoebis sennae

Feeds on the nectar of the blossoms while assisting with cross-pollination.

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Pine Lily?

The easiest way to identify Pine Lily is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Pine Lily?

30+ cm

How long does Pine Lily live?

2+ years

What does Pine Lily eat?

As a photoautotrophic plant, the pine lily generates its own energy from sunlight via photosynthesis, drawing water and key minerals through its root system from acidic, nutrient-poor wetland soils.

Where is Pine Lily usually found?

Found in wet pine flatwoods, savannas, and acidic bogs that are regularly cleared by wildfire.

How many eggs does Pine Lily lay?

50+

How long do Pine Lily eggs take to hatch?

30+ days