Meadow Lily, Canada lily

Lilium canadense

Physical Characteristics

Lilium canadense is a BULB growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Quebec to Nova Scotia, south to Georgia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Bulb - cooked[2, 105, 177]. Rich in starch, it can be used as a vegetable in similar ways to potatoes (Solanum tuberosum). The taste is rather like raw green corn on the ear[207]. The bulb can be dried, ground into a powder and used in making bread etc[257]. A famine food, only used when better foods are not available[257]. The bulb is up to 5cm in diameter[235].

Medicinal Uses

Dysentery Poultice Stomachic A poultice made from the bulbs is applied to snakebites[222]. A tea made from the bulbs is stomachic and is also used in the treatment of irregular menses and dysentery[222, 257].

Known Hazards

None known