Lilium grayi

Gray’s lily is an herbaceous perennial wildflower in the lily family (Liliaceae) endemic to the Appalachian Mountains. It is an endangered species and listed by both state and federal authorities as imperiled. This lily grows only at high mountain elevations in moist meadows, bogs and seepages. The species epithet honors American botanist Asa Gray (1810–1888), who was based at Harvard University.

This plant is difficult to grow and propagate, so it is important to conserve the areas where this plant grows. Those attempting to grow this lily should try to mimic the species' natural conditions: full sun to partial shade and moist, acidic soil. This is a plant for the cool mountain regions. This plant is being propagated by tissue culture and is becoming more available in the commercial trade.

Gray’s lily grows between 2 and 5 feet tall and bears whorls of lance-shaped leaves 2 to 3 inches long. The flowers are outward-facing to slightly nodding, 2.5 inches long, reddish-orange and bell-shaped. The tepals are slightly reflexed and have purple spots on their interior surfaces. This plant is the only lily native to NC that is pollinated by hummingbirds.  

This lily is notoriously difficult to grow. It would likely do best in a rain garden or bog garden. It would be a fine addition to a pollinator garden, where it would attract hummingbirds.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  A fungal foliar disease caused by Pseudocercosporella inconspicua is affecting plants in the wild and leads to premature die-back of aboveground tissues.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Lilium.