Lilium columbianum

Lilium columbianum (Liliaceae) is a bulbous perennial native to western North America from southern British Columbia to northern California and east to Montana. It grows to about 4 feet tall from a scaly bulb, producing whorled leaves along an upright stem. The nodding flowers (3 to 6 cm tepals) are bright orange with darker spots and lightly scented, appearing from June through early August.

Columbia lily grows in lowland and montane forests, meadows, and open woodlands, usually below 2,000 meters elevation. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in dappled shade to partial sun. The species establishes slowly from bulb and is best left undisturbed once planted. It provides important nectar for native pollinators, including hummingbirds. Plants are not widely available in the nursery trade but are occasionally offered by native plant nurseries.