Canada Lily, Meadow Lily, Wild Yellow Lily, Turk's Cap Lily
Lilium canadense editorum
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Bulbs are edible when cooked, but considered a famine food. Young shoots and flower buds can also be cooked and eaten. Used traditionally for medicinal purposes by some Indigenous peoples. Attracts pollinators and hummingbirds, adding beauty and biodiversity to a permaculture garden. Cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Permapeople description
Lilium canadense is a lily native to eastern North America. This variety is named 'Editor's Choice'.
Botanical description
Lilium canadense, the Canada lily, is a native North American perennial herbaceous plant growing from a scaly bulb. It typically reaches 3-7 feet in height, with slender, erect stems bearing whorls of lance-shaped leaves. The nodding, bell-shaped flowers are typically yellow to orange, often with reddish spots inside. Flowers are typically 2-4 inches in diameter with recurved petals (tepals). Seed capsules are oblong and contain numerous flat seeds. 'Editorum' is a variation indicating its origin, possibly a specific collection or cultivated selection.
Companion planting
Lilies generally benefit from companion planting with plants that provide shade to their roots, such as ferns, hostas, or low-growing shrubs. Avoid planting near plants that are prone to fungal diseases, as lilies can be susceptible to these issues. Good companions are plants that deter snails and slugs.
Propagation methods
Propagation is primarily by seed, which requires a period of cold stratification. Division of bulbs can also be done in the fall. Scaling (separating individual scales from the bulb) is another method, though it takes longer to produce mature plants. Tissue culture is used for commercial propagation of some lilies.
History and traditions
Indigenous peoples of North America have historically used the bulbs of Canada lily for food and medicinal purposes. Specific uses varied by tribe, but included treatments for coughs, fevers, and skin ailments. The plant held cultural significance and was sometimes used in ceremonies.
Usage calendar
Flowering typically occurs in early to mid-summer (June-July). Seed collection is in late summer/early fall. Bulb division is best done in the fall after the plant has gone dormant. Planting of bulbs is ideally done in the fall or early spring.