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Lilium columbianum
The Columbia lily is a common herb species found throughout Oregon, and is known for its eye-catching blooms. The bright yellow-orange flowers are shaped like bells with the petals curling back toward the plant’s stem. Long stamen protrude from the center of the flower. The upper surface of the flower is covered in dark red-brown speckles. The plant itself grows up to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall and consists of stiff stems with leaves arranged in a whorl pattern. The leaves are light green in color.
The oval-shaped bulb is edible and was widely eaten by Native Americans. It can be consumed raw or cooked similar to a potato. A variety of this plant is cultivated for horticulture and used as a decorative species in urban areas. The cultivated variety can easily be found in nurseries as seeds, bulbs or as a container plant. It is commonly referred to as a “tiger lily” though this may cause confusion as other, similar looking species also use this name.
Distribution
The plant has a wide distribution throughout the Pacific Northwest. It can be found as far north as British Columbia and as far south as northern California. Its eastern boundary is Montana. The lily prefers moist, rich soils in coastal areas, woodlands and meadows.
Conservation Status
Common.
Lilium columbianum
The Columbia lily is a common herb species found throughout Oregon, and is known for its eye-catching blooms. The bright yellow-orange flowers are shaped like bells with the petals curling back toward the plant’s stem. Long stamen protrude from the center of the flower. The upper surface of the flower is covered in dark red-brown speckles. The plant itself grows up to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall and consists of stiff stems with leaves arranged in a whorl pattern. The leaves are light green in color.
The oval-shaped bulb is edible and was widely eaten by Native Americans. It can be consumed raw or cooked similar to a potato. A variety of this plant is cultivated for horticulture and used as a decorative species in urban areas. The cultivated variety can easily be found in nurseries as seeds, bulbs or as a container plant. It is commonly referred to as a “tiger lily” though this may cause confusion as other, similar looking species also use this name.
Distribution
The plant has a wide distribution throughout the Pacific Northwest. It can be found as far north as British Columbia and as far south as northern California. Its eastern boundary is Montana. The lily prefers moist, rich soils in coastal areas, woodlands and meadows.
Conservation Status
Common.