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| Canada Lily |
Sometimes also called wild yellow-lily or meadow lily, Canada lilies are native to eastern North America and found in open woodlands, moist meadows, and savannas. They prefer dappled or partial sunlight and medium to moist soil and are hardy from zone 3 to 9.
My lilies bloomed for about three weeks from the later part of June through early July, with gorgeous apricot and yellow flowers, freckled underneath. Canada lilies may be different in coloration, though, ranging from yellow to red-orange.
These lilies attract Halictid bees (aka sweat bees) and large butterflies such as Swallowtails and Great Spangled Fritillaries. The only thing I actually noticed enjoying my Canada lilies, however, was a hummingbird. I got some great pictures of it... if only the memory card had been in my camera.
I keep all my lilies in my protected gazebo garden so that the deer don't eat them. I have spotted a few of the invasive Lily Leaf Beetles in my garden, but on my other, non-native lilies. It's the first time I've really noticed the beetle in my garden. They have released several parasitic wasps throughout New England for a biological control, so I do hope that they won't become a problem.
Historically Canada lily was used medicinally for such things as stomach disorders, dysentery, rheumatism, irregular menstruation, and snake bites. The buds and roots of these lilies were traditionally eaten by Native Americans, and the bulbs are said to have a bitter or peppery flavor. Some sources label the lily roots as 'starvation food' eaten in times of famine, so I don't think I shall be trying them any time soon.
I would rather have the flowers in my garden anyway.
Happy gardening!
They are beautiful, Indie. What a great idea to have a garden gazebo! I have to cage everything from rabbits, but deer would be event more challenging! We occasionally have them here, but the rabbits are out of control because of the lack of predators. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I wanted something decorative, but yet functional, as we have so much wildlife. Groundhogs are a big problem here, too.
DeleteSuch a beautiful lily, fairies dancing around those lilies comes to my mind.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It is a very pretty one!
DeleteWell done, Indie! These are so beautiful - you must give them just the conditions they like. <3
ReplyDeleteWe have a few plants near our river, which seem to like the moist bottomland best.
Those dreadful lily beetles are so annoying. I dispatch them when I see them, even barehanded!
They really do like water. I fear that they have suffered a bit since this post, as it has been very dry this summer.
DeleteI love their color and height!
ReplyDeleteThey are a really nice one! I wish I could plant them in other spots, but they do have to be protected from the critters.
DeleteThe flowers are edible like day lilies? Perhaps the the petals of one flower to garnish a salad? They are such a glorious colour!
ReplyDelete