Description

The Columbia lily is widespread in the US Northwest and British Columbia. Like other western lilies, it grows as a little tuft of lance-shaped leaves, which become more numerous as the subterranean corm grows from season to season. Once adequate energy has been stored, the corm sends up a flower stem and the dramatic beauty of this lily is displayed. The flower stem consists of several whorls of leaves topped by flowers of yellow, orange or nearly red. The flowers are pendant, with the maroon-spotted petals recurved and the stamens extending prominently. Columbia lily is unusual in that its range extends from the coast to the interior, from low elevation to high. It is not commonly found in wetlands or near water. Some summer water is recommended - just enough to keep the soil from drying out completely.