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American Turk's-cap Lily

Lilium superbum

Last reviewed: June 2026

American Turk's-cap Lily (Lilium superbum)
Photo: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay

American Turk's-cap Lily (Lilium superbum) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

36"–96" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 21 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

American turk's cap lily is a tall native wildflower that produces striking orange flowers with recurved petals and dark spots during summer months. This impressive perennial can reach up to 8 feet tall and goes completely dormant in winter, leaving no above-ground growth.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Turk's-cap Lily takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Extremely tall growth looks wild and unstructured
  • Completely disappears in winter leaving bare spots
  • Requires high moisture that may conflict with typical landscape irrigation

Wildlife value

The showy orange blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the summer flowering period. This native lily provides important nectar resources during peak growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does American Turk's-cap Lily need?
American Turk's-cap Lily grows best in part sun conditions.
When does American Turk's-cap Lily bloom?
American Turk's-cap Lily blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is American Turk's-cap Lily native?
American Turk's-cap Lily (Lilium superbum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 21 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is American Turk's-cap Lily toxic to dogs?
American Turk's-cap Lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is American Turk's-cap Lily toxic to cats?
Yes. American Turk's-cap Lily is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does American Turk's-cap Lily attract?
American Turk's-cap Lily draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Is American Turk's-cap Lily HOA-friendly?
American Turk's-cap Lily takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow American Turk's-cap Lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz