Columbia Tiger Lily, Columbia lily, Oregon Lily, Tiger Lily

Lilium columbianum

Physical Characteristics

Lilium columbianum is a BULB growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August, 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

Western N. America - British Columbia to California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Bulb - raw or cooked[61, 105, 161, 213, 257]. The oval-shaped bulb is up to 5cm in diameter and is used as a vegetable in the same way as potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)[85, 256]. Starchy, with a slightly sweet taste[85]. The flavour of the cooked bulbs is said to resemble sweet chestnuts but with a slight bitterness[256]. The bulbs were highly prized by various native North American Indian tribes and were used as a staple food[118, 257].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known