Chaparral Lily

(Lilium rubescens)

Chaparral Lily (Lilium rubescens)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Lilium rubescens, commonly known as Chaparral Lily, is a perennial herb native to the understory of mixed evergreen forests, redwood forests, and the edges of chaparral in northwestern California and southwestern Oregon. It can reach up to 7 feet in height and is characterized by a waxy stem and whorled leaves. From late spring to early summer, it produces fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers with white to pale purple tepals, each spotted with maroon to purple, which are highly showy and attract pollinators such as hummingbirds.

Chaparral Lily is valued for its striking flowers and is used in native plant gardens, woodland gardens, and as a cut flower due to its fragrance and ornamental appearance. It prefers partial shade to full sun, well-drained soils, and moderate water, mimicking its natural habitat conditions. While it is not commonly available in the nursery trade, it can be grown from seed or bulbs with some patience. Gardeners should be aware that it is sensitive to overwatering and root disturbance. It is also threatened by habitat destruction and illegal collecting, which has led to its decline in the wild. Cultivation should be done responsibly, with a focus on preserving wild populations.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb, Bulb
  • Height: 4-6 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Understory of mixed evergreen forests, redwood forests, and edges of chaparral

Other Names

Common Names: Redwood Lily, Chaparral Lily

Scientific Names: , Lilium rubescens, Lilium purpureum, Lilium purpureum, Lilium washingtonianum var. purpureum, Lilium washingtonianum var. rubescens, Lilium washingtonianum var. rubescens,

GBIF Accepted Name: