tiger lily

Lilium lancifolium

Tiger lilies are bright orange flowers with beautiful spots. They bloom in summer and attract butterflies and bees, making gardens colorful and lively!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The tiger lily has striking orange petals that curve backward sharply, revealing prominent dark purplish-brown spots, resembling a tiger's coat. Its large, nodding flowers often display long, showy stamens with rusty pollen, making it instantly recognizable.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderLilialesFamilyLiliaceaeGenusLilium

tiger lily

Interesting facts

Each tiger lily flower can have up to six petals, all curving backwards like a fancy hat!

In ancient times, some cultures believed these lilies could ward off evil spirits!

Its pollen is bright orange and sticky, often dusting the faces of visiting bees!

The plant's scientific name, Lilium lancifolium, means 'lance-leaved lily' for its leaf shape!

Special abilities

Tiger lily can grow tiny 'bulbils' in its leaf axils, which drop and sprout into new plants, helping it spread easily.

Its bright orange, spotted petals curve backward, acting like a landing strip for pollinators, guiding them to the flower's nectar.

Tiger lily has deep underground bulbs that store energy, allowing it to survive harsh winters and re-emerge year after year.

Measurements & details

Height: 60-120 cm
Spread: 30-60 cm
Flower Size: 5-10 cm
Bloom Season: Summer
Is Edible: Yes
Toxicity: Moderate
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Common Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar and pollen

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumble Bee

Bombus impatiens

visits flowers for nectar

eaten by

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

browses on leaves and buds

eats

Cotton Aphid

Aphis gossypii

sucks sap from plant tissues

Traits

Spotted

Discover animals and plants adorned with beautiful dots and splotches, making them unique and easy to spot!

Flowering

These are the plants that produce beautiful blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding splashes of color to our world. Each flower is a tiny marvel!

Summer Blooming

Enjoy the sunny days with these vibrant plants that show off their stunning flowers all through the warmest months, adding color to the long summer days.

Tube Flower

Discover unique flowers shaped like long, slender tubes, often attracting special pollinators like hummingbirds with their sweet nectar.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Grassland

These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.

Pollinator Magnet

Discover plants that are irresistible to our pollinator friends! These beauties are super attractive to bees, butterflies, and other helpful creatures, creating a buzzing hub of activity.