Lilium superbum

Lilium superbum is a species of true lily native to the eastern and central regions of North America. Common names include, Turk's Cap Lily, Turban Lily, Swamp Lily or American Tiger Lily.  It occurs in wet meadows and moist woods from New Hampshire south to Georgia and Alabama. This is the tallest of the native American lilies, typically growing 4'-6' (less frequently to 8') tall. Elliptic to lance-shaped leaves (to 6" long) are arranged in whorls around the stems. Downward-facing, nodding, Turk's cap-type, orange flowers (2.5 to 4" wide) with greenish throats are densely-spotted with maroon. Sharply-reflexed sepals and petals curve backward to touch at the stem thus forming a "Turk's cap".  Flowers appear in a loose inflorescence atop upright stems in early to mid summer.

Most of ours derive from a population along our creek, known as Big Branch, a tributary of Deer Creek.  Deer will graze on them if they can get to them, so afford them some protection.  The predilection of deer for the succulent stems is one of the reasons for their disappearance from our local flora.

The bulbs are about as large as the end of your thumb or smaller smaller, and some are connected together by a rhizome. If so, do not separate them, as they will derive energy from each other needed for flowering. Plant them 2-21/2 inches deep with the crowns up. The depth helps the bulb to support the tall stems and flowers. Plant each with 1/2 - 1 tablespoon of bone meal mixed into the soil beneath the bulb for slow release nutrients to support growth and vigor.

Plants ship best when dormant or during the first week or 2 of growth.

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