How to identify Turk's-Cap Lily (Lilium superbum)

How to identify Turk's-Cap Lily (Lilium superbum)

Turk's-Cap Lily, also known as Swamp Lily, American Tiger Lily

Turk's-Cap Lily is a striking perennial that reaches heights between 4 to 8 feet (1.2 to 2.4 meters) during its peak in the summer. It displays prominent orange-red flowers, which are densely spotted with purple, adding to its ornamental appeal. Each flower features six backward-curving perianth parts, which often touch at the tips, creating a distinctive 'Turk's-cap' appearance. The leaves of turk's-Cap Lily form whorls along the stem, contributing to its lush foliage. This plant is favored by various pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies, due to its vivid coloration and nectar.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Turk's-Cap Lily

Tall perennial, 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters), with orange-red flowers and purple spots.

Distinctive 'Turk's-cap' flowers with backward-curving perianth parts touching at tips.

Elliptic leaves, 4-7 inches (10-18 cm) long, whorled arrangement, medium green color.

Smooth, cylindrical stem, up to 8 feet (240 cm) tall, sturdy support for plant.

Erect, cylindrical fruit capsule, 2 inches (5 cm) long, splits to release disc-shaped seeds.

Detailed Traits of Turk's-Cap Lily

Leaf Features

Turk's-Cap Lily's leaves are elliptic to lance-shaped, measuring 4-7 inches (10-18 cm) long and approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) across. These leaves are arranged in whorls around the stems, giving the plant a distinctive appearance. The leaves are a medium green color, with a smooth texture and a prominent central vein. The edges are entire, and the overall structure is sturdy but flexible, making them easily identifiable for enthusiasts.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of turk's-Cap Lily are a striking orange-red, adorned with thick purple spots. Each flower measures 2.5-4 inches (6-10 cm) across. The six tepals curl backward, often touching at the tips, creating a dramatic, recurved appearance. Typically, each stalk supports 4-12 blooms arranged in loose clusters, peaking from July to August. These distinctive features make the flowers of turk's-Cap Lily easily recognizable and particularly appealing to plant enthusiasts.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of turk's-Cap Lily is tall and robust, reaching up to 8 feet (240 cm) in height. It is smooth, cylindrical, and possesses a round profile, providing a sturdy support for the plant. The surface of the stem is notably smooth, devoid of any rough textures, and exhibits a green hue that can sometimes deepen to a darker shade depending on maturity. Thick and unbranched, the stem serves as a strong central axis crucial for the plant's vertical growth.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of turk's-Cap Lily is a dry capsule that matures in late fall, typically around September to October. When ripe, the capsule elongates to approximately 2 inches (5 cm) in length. It displays a strikingly erect, cylindrical shape, and splits open lengthwise to release numerous flat, disc-shaped seeds. The surface of the mature fruit is textured and varies from a deep green to a straw yellow, transitioning in color as it ages and dries.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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