Turk’s Cap Lily

(Lilium superbum)

Turk’s Cap Lily (Lilium superbum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Lilium superbum, commonly known as Turk’s Cap Lily or American Tiger Lily, is a perennial herb native to moist meadows, marsh edges, and open woodlands in eastern and central United States This species thrives in areas with wet soils, often near streams or in floodplains. It can reach a height of 3-7 feet tall and is known for its striking flowers, which are nodding, turban-shaped, and can range in color from deep yellow to reddish-orange with purple spots. The blooming period occurs in mid to late summer, and the flowers are highly showy, attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies.

Turk’s Cap Lily is valued for its tall, stately form and vibrant, speckled flowers, making it a dramatic addition to perennial borders and wildflower gardens. It is also used in restoration projects due to its ability to thrive in wetland areas. While it prefers consistently moist, fertile soils, it is adaptable to various soil types as long as adequate moisture is provided. It requires full sun to partial shade to flourish. Gardeners should be aware that this lily can be susceptible to lily leaf beetle and deer browsing. It is not typically invasive but can form large colonies in ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Height: 4-8 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Orange, Red, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden

Natural Habitat

Moist meadows, marsh edges, and open woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: American Tiger Lily , American Spider Lily , Lily-Royal , Swamp Lily , Turk’s-Cap , Superb Lily

Scientific Names: Lilium superbum , Lilium canadense subsp. superbum , Lilium canadense subsp. superbum , Lilium canadense subsp. superum , Lilium fortunofulgidum , Lilium gazarubrum , Lilium mary-henryae , Lilium superbum f. plenum , Lilium superbum var. uniflorum

GBIF Accepted Name: