Catesby's Lily
Lilium catesbaei
Last reviewed: June 2026
Catesby's Lily (Lilium catesbaei) 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
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Catesby's lily is a native wildflower that produces striking orange-red blooms with dark spots from late spring through summer. This compact perennial grows from a bulb and goes dormant in winter, disappearing completely until spring growth returns.
In an HOA neighborhood
Catesby's Lily takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Completely disappears when dormant leaving bare spots
- Single stems can look sparse and unplanned
- May be perceived as wild or uncontrolled
Wildlife value
The bright flowers attract bees and butterflies during the blooming season. As a native lily, it provides nectar for various pollinators including specialized native bees.
Common questions
- How much sun does Catesby's Lily need?
- Catesby's Lily grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Catesby's Lily bloom?
- Catesby's Lily blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Catesby's Lily native?
- Catesby's Lily (Lilium catesbaei) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 4 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Catesby's Lily toxic to dogs?
- Catesby's Lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Catesby's Lily toxic to cats?
- Yes. Catesby's 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 Catesby's Lily attract?
- Catesby's Lily draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Catesby's Lily HOA-friendly?
- Catesby's 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 Catesby's 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