Wood Lily (Lilium philadelphicum) | Prairie Restorations

Wood Lily

Lilium philadelphicum

Wood Lily is a showy perennial growing 1 to 3 feet tall, known for its bright orange, upward-facing flowers that bloom in summer. It is typically found in dry prairies, open woodlands, and sandy soils, often thriving in fire-adapted landscapes. The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while the plant itself contributes to native prairie and savanna restoration projects. Wood Lily is a striking addition to dry gardens and naturalized settings.

Characteristics

Product Form	Plant
Type	Forb
Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Soil	Loam, Sand/Gravel, Peat, Calcareous
Moisture	Dry, Mesic, Wet
Average Max Height (inches)	45
Suggested Plant Spacing (inches)	20
Bloom month(s)	June, July, August
Bloom Color or Type	Red
Dominance	Low

Range Maps

Sowing Information

Sow seed onto a firm, weed-free seedbed. Hand-broadcast seed making two perpendicular passes for even coverage. If planting a mix, broadcast the grass component first and lightly rake/drag it into the top 1/8–1/4" of soil. Next, broadcast wildflower/forb seed and press it into the soil surface (with a roller/cultipacker or the back of a rake) to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. After seeding, apply a very light layer of clean, seed-free straw (or other weed-free, site-appropriate mulch) to reduce erosion and retain moisture without smothering seedlings. A good rainfall or thorough watering will help settle seed and mulch and improve germination.

Planting Information

Dig a hole in your planting site slightly larger than the plant’s root system. When placing the plant into the hole, ensure that the soil line remains consistent with its original level in the pot. Fill in around the roots with the excavated soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly the same day to promote successful establishment.