Carolina Lily
Lilium michauxii
Last reviewed: July 2026
Carolina Lily (Lilium michauxii) 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
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 7 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Carolina lily is a stunning native wildflower that produces large, orange-red blooms with dark spots and recurved petals during summer months. This elegant perennial grows from underground bulbs and creates dramatic vertical interest in the garden with its tall stems and showy flowers.
In an HOA neighborhood
Carolina Lily is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, foundation.
- Completely disappears in winter leaving bare soil
- May be too informal for conservative HOAs
Wildlife value
The large, nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during its long summer blooming period. This native lily provides important food sources for pollinators when many other plants are stressed by summer heat.
Common questions
- How much sun does Carolina Lily need?
- Carolina Lily grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Carolina Lily bloom?
- Carolina Lily blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Carolina Lily native?
- Carolina Lily (Lilium michauxii) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 7 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Carolina Lily toxic to dogs?
- Carolina Lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Carolina Lily toxic to cats?
- Yes. Carolina 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 Carolina Lily attract?
- Carolina Lily draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Carolina Lily HOA-friendly?
- Carolina Lily is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Carolina 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