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, 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.
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.
Does Catesby's Lily fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.