Residents of Michigan are lucky. There, the Tiger Lily grows wild in prairies. Its lovely orange petals, freckled with dark spots, offer a beautiful display in windblown fields.
Fortunately, it grows as far north as southern Canada and south as Oklahoma.
A close relative called the Wood Lily, or Lilium philadelphicum occurs far outside Philadelphia. It can be found as far north as Saskatchewan (on the official flag) down south to New Mexico.
Another species in the genus, the Columbia Lily, makes its home in open woods in British Columbia. But it can also be found further south in Northern California, Idaho, and Nevada.
A slightly distant cousin, the Lilium lancifolium, is a native of Asia, growing everywhere from Guam to China, Japan, and Korea.
Unusual among lilies, it produces bulblets on the stem that can actually be used to propagate the plant. (Most lilies are reproduced from the underground bulb from which the roots and stalk grow.)
Fortunately for gardeners, the Tiger Lily can be grown anywhere from Zone 3-9. Anyone can enjoy this perfect flower for just a few dollars. The Tiger Lily is very adaptable. Like its cousin, the Turk’s Cap Lily, it will thrive anywhere there is ample sunshine and well-draining soil.
All grow 4′ to 6′ feet high and produce a few inches long petals. Many are stunning orange or yellow and curve backward toward the stem, facing down. That’s why they’re often confused with their relative, the Turk’s Cap.
The leaves add to the plant’s lovely appearance, providing green curls that make them a delightful partner in the entire display.
Are Tiger Lilies Edible?
Many Tiger Lilies have edible parts, as well. The Columbia is prized for its peppery bulb. The bulb of lancifolium is consumed in Asia, and other cultures also use the stem and leaves. The pollen itself is poisonous, however. Beware if you have cats. All parts of the lancifolium are toxic to them.
When planting, be sure to allow for ample room to grow underground. Space them at least a foot apart. That gives each plant good soil from which to draw nutrients.
Also, the bulbs will multiply after a few years, and to optimize each plant and spread the color to other areas, it’s helpful to dig up one plant without disturbing the others.
Like most lilies, they do well in full sun but will get along in partial shade. Even in the hot sun, as many as six hours per day will see the stalks grow tall, and the flowers open up to maximum effect.
When they do, their beautiful spotted orange or pink 6″-12″ petals make for a breathtaking display.
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