Types of Lilies
Discussions about different types of lilies commonly resolve to two general themes, garden lilies and native lilies.
Their beautifully colored flowers and relative easy to grow nature makes lilies a garden flower favorite.
When gardeners think about lilies, they traditionally think of species in the Lilium genus. It contains popular favorites such as the Easter Lily and the Tiger Lily.
Most Lilium start their lives as bulbs and adapt well to most garden soils.
Choosing garden lilies is always a matter of taste. The multitude of varieties commonly available on the market means that gardeners can also choose plants that bloom in different seasons.
Many of the one hundred plus genera of native lilies found in the United States are also suitable for gardens, as long as they are grown in conditions similar to their native environment.
The Calochortus genus, for example, ranks among the most diverse, and arguably most beautiful, lily groups, having over fifty native species growing from lower to higher elevations thorughout the Western United States. At any one time, it is easy to find a dozen or more Calochortus species cultivated and sold for the home garden.
Some species, such garlic and chive, are grown as vegetables.
Other species, including the Death Camas, are poisonous, and not a good choice for gardeners with inquisitive pets, especially cats.
Trillium, which grows well in shaded areas, can be purchased at many local nurseries. Your local Agricultural Extension Service or plant nursery will have more details on lily species suitable for your garden.
The links in the box on the right point to articles with pictures and more details about specific native West Coast lily species. The Crag Lily has a range limited to the Southwest.
Five genera, Calochortus or Mariposa Lily, Dichelostemma, Erythronium or Fawn Lily, Fritillaria, and Trillium are represented by multiple species.
© 2008-2009. Patricia A. Michaels