How to identify Carolina lily (Lilium michauxii)

Photo By nicknewberry , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Carolina lily (Lilium michauxii)

Carolina lily is a herbaceous perennial, boasting an unbranched stem that stands 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall. Surrounding the stem are whorled, thick, and fleshy leaves. In the summer months, it produces vibrant, fragrant flowers. These blossoms feature a striking combination of orange and yellow hues, peppered with speckles. The petals are distinctively recurved, adding to the ornamental appeal of the flower. It is known to be the only fragrant native lily of its range to the east of the Mississippi River.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Carolina lily

Recurved orange and yellow flowers with speckles, emitting a strong, sweet fragrance.

Whorled, thick, fleshy leaves tapering to a blunt point, wavy margins and glossy upper surface.

Sturdy, unbranched stem 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall, supporting pendent flowers with minimal branching.

Distinctive threepart capsule fruit, dry and papery texture, releasing flat seeds in September-October.

Green stem with smooth texture, moderate thickness providing rigidity, conspicuous in natural habitat.

Pendent Turk’s-cap shaped flowers with reflexed sepals and petals in shades of green, orange, and burnt orange-red.

Detailed Traits of Carolina lily

Leaf Features

Carolina lily features whorled, thick, fleshy leaves that taper to a blunt point. Each leaf typically measures 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and 1/2 to 3/4 inches (1.3 to 1.9 cm) wide, broadest above the middle. The margins are entire and often wavy, conveying a distinctive texture. The upper surface is green and moderately glossy, while the undersides are paler, providing a subtle contrast. These unique characteristics make the leaves a noteworthy identifying feature for carolina lily.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of carolina lily are pendent and possess a strong, sweet fragrance. They feature a Turk’s-cap shape with sepals and petals reflexed one-quarter to one-third from the base. The petals and sepals are pale green at the base, transitioning to orange and burnt orange-red towards the tips, often adorned with numerous fine, dark maroon spots. Sepals measure 2.2–3.8 inches (5.7–9.7 cm) by 0.6–0.9 inches (1.4–2.2 cm), while petals are 2.2–3.6 inches (5.7–9.2 cm) by 0.7–1.1 inches (1.8–2.9 cm). Stamens are exserted with purple anthers measuring 0.4–0.9 inches (1–2.2 cm). The pale pistil reaches 2–3 inches (5–7.6 cm), and the ovary is 0.5–1 inches (1.4–2.5 cm). The pedicel is 3.7–6.9 inches (9.3–17.4 cm) long.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of carolina lily is green, sturdy, and typically ranges from 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm) in height. It exhibits a smooth texture and a robust structure, capable of supporting the flowers above. The thickness is moderate, providing substantial rigidity without being overly thick. Branching is minimal, allowing the stem to maintain a streamlined appearance. Unique in its clear green hue, the stem stands out in its natural habitat, providing essential support and nourishment to the plant.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of carolina lily is a three-part capsule, which typically abounds in September-October. Upon maturity, this capsule can exhibit a range of brown hues and opens to release several flat, dispersed seeds. The texture of the mature capsule is often dry and papery, and its form may remind one of an elongated spheroid, roughly about 1.5 to 2 inches (38 to 50 mm) in length. These key features are instrumental for those interested in identifying the species during the fruiting season.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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