Lilium michiganense, commonly known as Michigan Lily, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist prairies, wet meadows, streambanks, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, especially in rich, undisturbed habitats.
This elegant plant typically grows 1.5 to 4 feet tall and features whorled, lance-shaped leaves along a sturdy central stem. In early to mid-summer, it produces large, nodding, orange to reddish-orange flowers with recurved petals and dark spots, resembling the more commonly known Turk’s Cap Lily. The dramatic, trumpet-shaped blooms are highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Lilium michiganense is a show-stopping choice for moist wildflower gardens, prairie restorations, and pollinator habitats. Though sensitive to disturbance and competition, it rewards careful placement with stunning midsummer blooms and valuable wildlife support. It pairs beautifully with companions like Swamp Milkweed, Culver’s Root, and Blue Vervain in moist, sunny plantings.
Lilium michiganense, commonly known as Michigan Lily, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist prairies, wet meadows, streambanks, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, especially in rich, undisturbed habitats.
This elegant plant typically grows 1.5 to 4 feet tall and features whorled, lance-shaped leaves along a sturdy central stem. In early to mid-summer, it produces large, nodding, orange to reddish-orange flowers with recurved petals and dark spots, resembling the more commonly known Turk’s Cap Lily. The dramatic, trumpet-shaped blooms are highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Lilium michiganense is a show-stopping choice for moist wildflower gardens, prairie restorations, and pollinator habitats. Though sensitive to disturbance and competition, it rewards careful placement with stunning midsummer blooms and valuable wildlife support. It pairs beautifully with companions like Swamp Milkweed, Culver’s Root, and Blue Vervain in moist, sunny plantings.
Bloom: early to mid-summer
Habitats: Bur Oak savannas; moist black soil prairies; moist sandy meadows along rivers; openings in deciduous woodlands; prairie remnants along railroads; swamps; typical thickets and sandy thickets
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist
Plant type (height): forb (1.5 to 4 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: loam; sandy loam
