Flame Lily
Lilium philadelphicum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Lilium philadelphicum (Flame Lily) is a native wildflower blooming orange-red in June and July across eastern and central North America. This deciduous forb attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles in partial sun locations.
Flame Lily (Lilium philadelphicum) 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"–36" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
CO, CT, DE, GA and 30 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
A striking native wildflower with upward-facing orange-red blooms dotted with dark spots. This compact lily forms small clumps and blooms in early to mid-summer, then dies back to the ground in winter.
Growing Flame Lily
Grow Flame Lily in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Flame Lily is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Goes completely dormant in winter
- May need marking to avoid accidental damage when dormant
Wildlife value
The bright flowers attract various pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beetles during its summer bloom period.
Common questions
- When does Lilium philadelphicum bloom?
- Flame Lily blooms during June and July, producing distinctive upward-facing orange-red flowers.
- What pollinators visit Lilium philadelphicum?
- Bees, butterflies, and beetles are attracted to the flowers of Flame Lily for nectar and pollen.
- Where is Lilium philadelphicum native?
- Flame Lily is native to much of eastern and central North America, from Maine to Georgia and west to Montana and New Mexico.
- What growing conditions does Lilium philadelphicum prefer?
- This lily grows best in partial sun with medium moisture but can tolerate a range of light and water conditions.
- Is Flame Lily toxic to dogs?
- Flame Lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Flame Lily toxic to cats?
- Yes. Flame 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.
- Is Flame Lily HOA-friendly?
- Flame 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 Flame Lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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