Lilium superbum
| Turk's cap lily | |
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| Lilium superbum in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina | |
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| Species: | L. superbum
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| Binomial name | |
| Lilium superbum L. 1753 not Thunb. 1784
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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.[citation needed] 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]
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 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 which 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 which 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
- ^ Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
- ^ a b c d United States Department of Agriculture plants profile
- ^ a b c d e Blanchan, Neltje (2005). Wild Flowers Worth Knowing. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
- ^ a b Connecticut Botanical Society
- ^ a b "Lilium superbum". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
- ^ Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
- ^ Synge, Patrick M. Collins Guide to Bulbs. (1961)
- ^ Illinois Wildflowers
- ^ Lady Bird Johnson Wild Flower Center, University of Texas
- ^ Frequently Asked Questions No Lilies For Cats.
- ^ Fitzgerald, KT (2010). "Lily toxicity in the cat". Top Companion Anim Med. 25: 213–7. doi:10.1053/j.tcam.2010.09.006. PMID 21147474.
- ^ Turk's cap lily is pure delight The Guardian.
- ^ a b Lily Poisoning in Cats. Pet MD.
- ^ 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.
External links
- USDA Plants Profile for Lilium superbum (turk's-cap lily)
- Missouri Botanical Garden, Kemper Center for Home Gardening: Turkscap lily (Lilium superbum)
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Information Network−NPIN: Lilium superbum (Turk's-cap lily) — with horticultural info.
