Description

The lemon lily grows in moist places in scattered locations in the Peninsular Ranges of Southern California and Mexico, with a few populations in Arizona as well. It is one of only two lilies found in the southern half of our state. Like all lilies, it begins life as just a few grass-like leaves. As the bulb matures year after year, the leaves become larger and more numerous, though never amounting to much height. Once adequate energy has been stored in the bulb, a flower stalk rises with successive whorls of lance shaped leaves. The stalk is topped with one to several bright yellow flowers that are rather fragrant. As the bulb continues to mature, the stalks become more numerous, taller and covered with more flowers. Constant moisture in a well-draining medium seems one key to success with this lily. There have been several efforts to grow it commercially over the years, but so far it is not commonly available. My own mother plants are several years old (2024). Hopefully they will provide some material for propagation in the near future (before 2030!).