“Mountain lilies” refer to wildflowers found in mountainous or forested regions. The common name can lead to confusion, as it applies to different plant species across various geographical areas. This exploration clarifies the plants commonly known as mountain lilies, their natural preferences, and cultivation considerations.
Understanding Mountain Lilies
Plants recognized as “mountain lilies” share characteristics with many woodland or meadow lilies. Their flowers often feature a bell-shaped or trumpet-like form, with flaring petals. Color ranges from soft yellows to vivid oranges and reds, sometimes spotted or marked. These plants grow from bulbs or rhizomes, producing a stalk with leaves arranged in whorls or alternately. Their size ranges from a few inches to over a foot, depending on species and growing conditions.
Common Varieties Known as Mountain Lilies
The common name “mountain lily” refers primarily to two distinct species: Clintonia borealis and Lilium philadelphicum.
Clintonia borealis
Clintonia borealis, often called Yellow Beadlily or Bluebead Lily, has pale yellow, bell-shaped flowers that appear in late spring to early summer. After flowering, it produces distinctive porcelain blue berries, giving it its “bluebead” name. This plant has two to four broad, glossy basal leaves, 6 to 12 inches long. Its native range extends across eastern North America, from Newfoundland to Manitoba, and south into the Appalachian Mountains. It thrives in cool, moist, acidic forests.
Lilium philadelphicum
Lilium philadelphicum, known as Wood Lily, Philadelphia Lily, or Prairie Lily, features upright, cup-shaped, orange-red flowers with purplish-brown spots near the base. These flowers appear in mid to late summer. Its narrow, elliptical leaves are arranged in whorls along an unbranched stem, reaching 1 to 4 feet tall. This lily is distributed across eastern and midwestern North America, found in deciduous forest openings, prairies, and open woodlands. Other regional plants, such as Leucocrinum montanum (Common Starlily) in the western U.S. or Erythronium montanum (Avalanche Lily) in the Pacific Northwest, are also sometimes called “mountain lily.”
Natural Habitat and Growing Conditions
Mountain lilies thrive in specific natural environments.
Clintonia borealis
Clintonia borealis prefers cool, damp, shaded positions, found in conifer, mixed, or hardwood forests. It grows well in moist, neutral to acidic soils rich in organic matter, often forming dense colonies through underground rhizomes. This species is adapted to areas where summer temperatures remain below 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lilium philadelphicum
Lilium philadelphicum is found in prairies and open woodlands, tolerating light from full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained, humus-rich soils, which can range from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline. While it tolerates various moisture levels, consistent moisture is preferred.
Safety and Identification Considerations
When encountering wildflowers, precise identification is important, especially concerning edibility and toxicity.
Clintonia borealis
The berries of Clintonia borealis are considered mildly toxic to humans if ingested and can cause mild gastric upsets. While some sources indicate the young leaves may be edible, caution is advised.
Lilium philadelphicum
Lilium philadelphicum, the Wood Lily, is toxic to pets, particularly cats, and ingestion can lead to severe kidney damage. The entire plant is toxic; bulbs contain the highest concentration of harmful substances. While some Native American tribes used the bulbs for food and medicine, caution is advised with any wild lily species. Mistaken identity can have serious consequences.
Cultivating Mountain Lilies
Cultivating mountain lilies outside their native habitats can present challenges due to their specific environmental needs.
Clintonia borealis
Clintonia borealis is difficult to grow, requiring cool, shaded conditions and consistently moist, acidic soil rich in leaf mold. It thrives best when its natural woodland environment is replicated, making it suitable for specialized shade or woodland gardens. Propagation is achieved by dividing underground runners in fall or early spring, or from seeds which require stratification and can be slow to germinate.
Lilium philadelphicum
Lilium philadelphicum is more commonly cultivated. It performs best in full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained, humus-rich soil that remains consistently moist. Good drainage is necessary to prevent bulb rot. Propagation is easiest by dividing its scaly bulbs in late summer or early spring when dormant. Seeds can also be used, but they may take several years to mature and flower. For both species, purchasing from reputable nurseries is recommended over wild harvesting to ensure sustainability and successful establishment.