Lilium catesbaei, commonly known as Catesby’s lily, pine lily, or leopard lily, is a perennial herb native to the wet pine flatwoods, savannas, and bogs of the Southeastern United States, from Louisiana to Virginia, including Florida. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) and is known for its striking solitary flower. The plant features a single, upright, showy flower that blooms from late summer to fall. The flower’s tepals are recurved, showcasing a vibrant gradient of colors with orange at the tips, transitioning to yellow, and then to a purple-spotted base near the center.

Catesby’s lily is valued for its unique and colorful flowers, which add a dramatic accent to native plant gardens and moist, sunny borders. It is also a vital food source for butterflies and other pollinators. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist, acidic soil and full sun to partial shade. While it is not commonly found in the nursery trade, it is sought after by native plant enthusiasts. Due to its specific habitat requirements, it can be challenging to grow in conventional gardens, but it thrives in rain gardens and other wetland mimicry settings. Care should be taken to avoid overly dry conditions and to provide protection from herbivores, as deer are known to browse on the foliage.CC BY-SA 4.0