Canada Lily

A True North American

Canada Lily

The Canada Lily Lilium canadense is a true North American.  It is New World all the way with no hint of exotic.  How nice to have such a beautiful flower and know that it is truly 'ours'.  

Canada Lily

The Canada Lily is in bloom now, blooming in July and August here in New Brunswick.  It grows over much of North America, ranging from Ontario, Pennsylvania and Indiana eastward to the Maritimes, and south to New England and in the mountains further south.  Its colour ranges from yellow to orange to red.  Here it is mainly yellowish to deep orange.  The reddish form is common in Pennsylvania and Indiana.  The petals are often brown spotted.

Canada Lily

The Canada Lily plant ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 metres high (2 - 5 feet).  The flowers are usually artistic-looking bells which hang down, each on its own stem.  The plant often has many bells nodding a welcome to your visit to wet meadows or swamps where it grows.  The flowers are found at the top of the plant and the main stem bears whorled leaves below.  The flowers are 5 to 7.5 cm (2-3") across.  There are 3 petals and 3 petal-like sepals arching outward, making the pretty bell shape.  The six stamens are tipped with bold orange-to-brown anthers.  

Canada Lily

I have found Canada Lilies many times in my rambles along the St. John River and am always delighted.  I am often amazed that we have such beauty out there in the wilds, just waiting for me to appreciate it.  Let's keep on protecting them so our grandchildren can enjoy them, too!