Canada lily
lilium canadense
Also known as: ["meadow lily","wild yellow lily"]
Overview
A native North American lily species with showy, nodding flowers and distinctive recurved petals.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Lilium |
| Botanical Name: | Lilium canadense |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: woodland garden, meadow, or naturalized area with partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry conditions
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; foliage removal after dormancy.
- Pruning Intensity: Light (removing spent flowers) to moderate (trimming damaged foliage).
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily, with afternoon shade preferred in hot climates).
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; provide dappled shade during peak summer heat; adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid placing near heat sources.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting, ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged, and reduce watering during dormancy.
Soil
moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; maintain consistent moisture; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights and warmer days during active growth.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; maintain consistent humidity in dry heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before active growth; discontinue in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Bulb division or seed propagation; bulb division is faster but reduces the mother plant's vigor.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide bulbs carefully, ensuring each has roots.
- Plant at the same depth as the parent.
- Sow seeds thinly and keep moist.
Best Time: Divide bulbs in late summer after foliage dies back; sow seeds in fall for stratification.
Environment
Bulbs: cool, shaded area with consistent moisture; seeds: cold stratification followed by warm conditions.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for bulb division; sterile seed-starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Not required for bulb division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Bulb division: immediate growth; seeds: 2–3 years to flowering.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, gloves, small trowel, pots or trays.
Quick Tips
Divide only when necessary; label seedlings; protect young plants from pests.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base; avoid cutting green foliage until it naturally dies back.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb energy storage; cut back foliage only after it has yellowed and died naturally.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead or damaged parts; sterilize tools; avoid cutting green leaves prematurely.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall after foliage dies back but before winter dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter if repotting.
Method
Gently lift bulbs, remove old soil, divide if necessary, replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become overcrowded or outgrow their container; typically every 3–4 years.
Checklist
Inspect bulbs for damage; use fresh soil mix; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until the soil is evenly moist, ensuring water penetrates deeply to encourage root growth; allow excess to drain away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter dormancy; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth or cause damage to tender foliage; bulbs may require protection in colder climates.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate bulbs; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location during freezes.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and dehydration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering frequency, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply at recommended dilution; fertilize in spring only; avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as growth begins; avoid high-nitrogen formulas to prevent excessive foliage growth over blooms.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Highly ToxicLilium canadense is extremely toxic to cats, even in small quantities. Ingestion can lead to rapid onset of acute kidney failure, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. The plant's toxins specifically target feline renal function.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicLilium canadense is highly toxic to dogs, with ingestion leading to severe kidney damage and potential acute renal failure. The toxic compounds in the plant cause significant physiological stress on the animal's renal system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLilium canadense contains toxic compounds that can cause severe gastrointestinal and systemic effects upon ingestion. The plant's toxicity is due to the presence of cardiac glycosides and other irritant substances that disrupt normal physiological functions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lilium canadense toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How should I care for Canada lily?
A: Plant in well-drained soil with partial shade; water regularly and mulch to retain moisture.
Q: Does Canada lily attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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