Description

This hardy lily grows in moist places at mid to high elevations throughout the Sierra Nevada. It emerges from summer dormancy with a basal whorl of blade-like leaves. They can be hard to notice, and may be all the growth for the year until enough energy has been stored in the bulb for flowering. Usually by the second year of growth the bulb will send up a flower stalk to three feet or so. These are topped with one to several upright, vase-shaped flowers. By early summer the plant begins to go dormant, with no above ground growth. The Sierra tiger lily naturally grows in moist areas and so must be kept somewhat moist during the summer. Unlike many native bulbs, most California lily bulbs lack the protective tunic that helps conserve moisture in the bulb. Sierra tiger lily will form a patch over time. The patch may be lifted, divided and re-planted in mid-winter.