The common name “lily” is often applied to various flowers that share a similar shape, creating confusion for gardeners. Plants from the genus Lilium are the only true lilies, but many others borrow the name despite belonging to different botanical families. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the identification of the vibrant orange blossoms frequently seen in gardens. This article identifies the specific names of orange true lilies and their most common look-alikes.
The True Orange Lilies (Genus Lilium)
The botanical answer to what orange lilies are called lies within the genus Lilium, which includes hundreds of species and cultivars. True lilies grow exclusively from a specialized underground storage organ known as a scaly bulb.
The Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium) is a classic orange variety identifiable by its dark purple-brown spots. This species features flowers with six identical tepals that strongly recurve backward, giving the bloom a distinctive “Turk’s cap” shape. Another true orange lily is Lilium bulbiferum, commonly called the Orange Lily or Fire Lily, a native European species.
Most orange lilies found commercially are complex crosses known as Asiatic Hybrid lilies, bred for vivid colors and hardiness. Cultivars like ‘Enchantment’, ‘Orange Ton’, or ‘Easy Love’ produce intense orange blooms that can be upward-facing, outward-facing, or pendulous. These Asiatic varieties generally lack fragrance but provide reliable, striking color in early to mid-summer.
Common Orange Lily Look-Alikes
The majority of plants commonly mistaken for orange lilies are not members of the Lilium genus, belonging to entirely different plant families. The most widespread look-alike is the Daylily, classified under the genus Hemerocallis and belonging to the Asphodelaceae family. Orange Daylilies, particularly the ubiquitous ‘Ditch Lily’ (Hemerocallis fulva), are frequently found growing wild along roadsides.
Daylilies earned their name because each individual flower opens for only a single day before fading. However, the plants produce numerous flowers sequentially on tall, leafless stalks called scapes, providing an extended season of color. Other plants often mislabeled as lilies include the orange Peruvian Lily, or Alstroemeria, a popular cut flower. Peruvian Lilies are members of the Alstroemeriaceae family and exhibit a different petal and foliage structure than true lilies.
Distinguishing True Lilies from Imposters
Physical identification relies on examining the plant’s underground structure, foliage, and flower longevity.
True lilies (Lilium) grow from scaly bulbs, which are made up of overlapping, fleshy layers, resembling loose, white artichoke hearts. Daylilies (Hemerocallis), conversely, grow from thick, fleshy, tuberous roots or rhizomes rather than a true bulb. This difference in root structure is a definitive botanical distinction.
The foliage also provides a clear visual clue. True lilies typically have leaves arranged in a spiral or whorled pattern all the way up the main flower stem. Daylilies produce long, arching, strap-like leaves that emerge directly from the plant’s base, forming a dense clump of foliage. The Daylily flower stalk, or scape, rises separately and is usually bare of leaves.
Flower structure and bloom duration are other dependable indicators for differentiation. Each individual flower on a true lily stem remains open for several days or even a week, making them excellent, long-lasting cut flowers. Daylily flowers open for one day before wilting, though the plant’s continuous production of buds ensures a season-long display. True lilies also possess six prominent stamens with large anthers.
The Symbolism of Orange Lilies
The fiery color of orange lilies has given them a distinct set of meanings within the language of flowers. These blooms are commonly used to convey feelings of passion, enthusiasm, and warmth. Their bright, intense hue is associated with vibrant energy and a lively spirit.
Orange lilies often symbolize confidence and pride in a person’s achievements or character. The specific orange Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium) is sometimes linked to wealth and prosperity, stemming from the appearance of its dark spots resembling coins.