Lilium parryi

Habit: this rare lily grows erect from a scaly, elongated bulb 4-6 ft (1-2 m) tall, with groups of 3-18 deciduous, narrow leaves whorled around the branched stem and drooping at the tips. Strongly fragrant flowers are borne in a large, slightly nodding inflorescence of 1-31. Showy, bright lemon yellow sepals and petals curve lightly out to form a funnel like throat, revealing maroon spots. There are six stamens tipped with large, pale magenta-brown anthers. Flowers bloom from May and often into early September.

Ecology: found in locations that include moisture through out the year, near streams, canyons and in wet meadows, between 4200-9800 ft (1300-2600 m). Native to California and Southern Arizona also found in a few locations in Mexico.

Growing Conditions: full sun to partial shade, in moist soil. Tolerates seasonal flooding.

Lilium parryi is rare and protected in the state of Arizona and is also included in the California Native Plant Society Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants.