Carolina lily

Lilium michauxii Poir.

Lilium michauxii, commonly known as the Carolina lily, is a wildflower native to the southeastern United States. It is the only fragrant lily species found east of the Rocky Mountains. This plant is characterized by its vibrant orange to red flowers with dark spots and thrives in dry, sandy soils of upland forests and ridges. It blooms from July to October and serves as a nectar source for pollinators like butterflies.

Description

Lilium michauxii, known as the Carolina lily, is a member of the Liliaceae family and is native to the southeastern United States. It is found in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. This species is distinguished by its fragrant, spotted flowers and is adapted to dry, sandy soils in upland forest habitats. It plays an ecological role by supporting pollinators such as butterflies during its blooming period from July to October.