Lilium columbianum
 |
syn. L. canadense var. parviflorum
COLUMBIA LILY, COLUMBIAN LILY, OREGON LILY
Family: Liliaceae
Pronounced: LIL-ee-um kol-um-bee-AH-num
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
British Columbia, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington.
Plant Group:
Bulb.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 2-7, 14-19.
USDA zones: 5-9.
Mature size:
Height: 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m).
Flowering period:
July and August.
Flowering attributes:
Golden orange, recurved petals with spots in center.
Light:
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil:
Moist but well-drained neutral to acidic soil.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed as soon as ripe. | Plant scales, offset or bulbils from stem when plant is dormant.
Rainy Side Notes
Our native lily is found in a variety of habitats—as far north as southern British Columbia and south to northern California. From alpine heights to sea level, Columbia lily grows in forests, thickets and meadows. It’s a fine addition for most well-drained soil in the maritime Northwest. In addition, this plant is an excellent choice for a garden that receives little or no irrigation, as it is perfectly adapted to our summer drought.
Indigenous people used the bulb as a starchy food source. Roasted, boiled, mixed with salmon roe or dried into cakes, the lily scales added slightly sweet starch with a hint of pepper taste to the palate.
Good drainage and leaf mold, as a top dressing, gives the best growing conditions. During our drought period, use minimum irrigation over the dormant bulbs to prevent them from rotting. Small bulbs are best for planting; older, larger bulbs do not transplant well. Digging them up in the wild, is not a good idea and most likely the plants will not survive the transition. Let foliage ripen before removing stems.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed on the Olympic Peninsula.
Questions, comments or suggestions? Would you like to communicate with other Pacific Northwest gardeners? Please join us on our forum.