wetland wildflower
Canada lily
Lilium canadense
Also known as Canadian Lily, Wild Yellow Lily
1 of 3Native to much of the USA and southern Canada
Nova Scotia to Ohio, south to Maryland, South Carolina and Alabama
- Light Full sun Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moist to wet Moisture preference
- Zones 3–8 Cold to heat range
- Bloom Jun–Jul Flowering time
- Height up to 8 ft to 2.4 m
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A wetland wildflower for full sun and consistently moist to wet soil. Its red flowers peak in July. At up to 8 ft, it needs room in rain gardens, pond edges, and damp low spots. Hardy in USDA zones 3–8.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
Hardiness zones
Find your zone:
When it blooms
The Canada lily's red flowers bloom June to July, peaking in July. This midsummer display draws wasps and beetles.
Canada lily blooms red, orange & yellowFoliage
Pollinators & wildlife
- Wasps Common Aerial Yellowjacket
- Beetles Spotted Pink Lady Beetle also Lily Leaf Beetle
- Butterflies American Copper
Butterflies that use this plant
Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.
- American coppernectar
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WetlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- Much of the USA and southern CanadaUnited States (22): AL, CT, DC, DE, GA, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WV. Canada (4): NB, NS, ON, QC. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Nova Scotia to Ohio, south to Maryland, South Carolina and AlabamaThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full sunHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Moisture
- Moist to wetThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8 · Canadian 3–7The cold-to-heat climate range it survives.
- Soil
- Cool, moist, organic soilThe soils it grows in naturally.
- Soil texture
- Light to medium (sandy to loamy)The soil grade it prefers, from sand to clay.
- Soil pH
- Acid to neutralThe acidity to alkalinity it tolerates (7 is neutral).
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 8 ft (to 2.4 m)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Jun–JulWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- Red, Orange, YellowThe bloom color, or colors.
- Fruit/Seeds
- ripens Jul–SepThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.