Lilium superbum

Lilium superbum is a species of true lily native to the eastern and central regions of North America.[2][3][4] Common names include Turk's cap lily,[2] turban lily,[3] swamp lily,[5] lily royal,[5] or American tiger lily. The native range of the species extends from southern New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York, west to Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas, and south to Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.[2][6]

Turk's cap lily
Lilium superbum in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Monocots
Order:
Liliales
Family:
Liliaceae
Genus:
Lilium
Species:
L. superbum
Binomial name
Lilium superbum
L. 1753 not Thunb. 1784
Synonyms[1]
  • Lilium fortunofulgidum Roane & J.N.Henry
  • Lilium gazarubrum Roane & J.N.Henry
  • Lilium mary-henryae Roane & J.N.Henry

Description

Lilium superbum grows from 3–7 feet (0.91–2.13 m) high with typically three to seven blooms, but exceptional specimens have been observed with up to 40 flowers on each stem.[3] It is capable of growing in wet conditions.[7] It is fairly variable in size, form, and color.[3] The color is known to range from a deep yellow to orange to a reddish-orange "flame" coloring with reddish petal tips.[3] The flowers have a green star at their center that can be used to distinguish L. superbum from the Asiatic "tigerlilies" that frequently escape from cultivation.[4]

Uses

The roots were a food source for Native Americans, and the flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds and larger insects.[8]

Status

It is listed as endangered in Florida, New Hampshire, Alberta and Saskatchewan and threatened in Kentucky, and exploitably vulnerable in New York.[2]

Etymology

The Turk's cap common name is derived from the reflexed shape of the flower petals, which presumably resemble a type of hat worn by early Turkish people.[9]

Toxicity

Cats

Cats are extremely sensitive to lily toxicity and ingestion is often fatal;[10][11][12] households and gardens that are visited by cats are strongly advised against keeping this plant or placing dried flowers where a cat may brush against them and become dusted with pollen that they then consume while cleaning. Suspected cases require urgent veterinary attention.[13] Rapid treatment with activated charcoal and/or induced vomiting can reduce the amount of toxin absorbed (this is time-sensitive so in some cases vets may advise doing it at home), and large amounts of fluid by IV can reduce damage to kidneys to increase the chances of survival.[13]

Traditional uses

The bulbs were made into soups by some Native Americans.[14]

References
  1. Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  2. United States Department of Agriculture plants profile
  3. Blanchan, Neltje (2005). Wild Flowers Worth Knowing. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
  4. Connecticut Botanical Society
  5. "Lilium superbum". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  6. Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
  7. Synge, Patrick M. Collins Guide to Bulbs. (1961)
  8. Illinois Wildflowers
  9. Lady Bird Johnson Wild Flower Center, University of Texas
  10. Frequently Asked Questions No Lilies For Cats.
  11. Fitzgerald, KT (2010). "Lily toxicity in the cat". Top Companion Anim Med. 25 (4): 213–7. doi:10.1053/j.tcam.2010.09.006. PMID 21147474.
  12. Turk's cap lily is pure delight The Guardian.
  13. Lily Poisoning in Cats. Pet MD.
  14. Niering, William A.; Olmstead, Nancy C. (1985) [1979]. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers, Eastern Region. Knopf. p. 603. ISBN 0-394-50432-1.
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