When does Humboldt Lily bloom?

Humboldt Lily typically flowers in June and July, producing whorled clusters of orange, spotted blooms on tall stems.

What kind of light does Humboldt Lily need?

It grows best in part sun to part shade, often found along woodland edges or brushy slopes where direct afternoon sun is filtered.

How much water does Humboldt Lily need?

It prefers medium moisture during active growth but tolerates drier conditions once dormant in summer, reflecting its dry-summer regional climate.

What pollinators visit Humboldt Lily flowers?

Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are regular visitors, drawn to the large recurved flowers and exposed pollen.

Does Humboldt Lily stay green year round?

No, it is deciduous, dying back to an underground bulb after blooming and going dormant through the dry season.

Is Humboldt Lily toxic to cats?

Yes. Humboldt 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 Humboldt Lily HOA-friendly?

Humboldt Lily is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Humboldt Lily

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lilium humboldtii

Last reviewed: September 2026

Humboldt Lily produces tall stems of orange, maroon-spotted, recurved flowers in June and July, thriving in dappled woodland light and canyon slopes with medium water.

Humboldt Lily (Lilium humboldtii) 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"–72" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Humboldt lily is a striking native perennial that produces spectacular orange-yellow flowers with maroon spots on tall stalks. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and hang downward, creating a dramatic display in summer gardens. This lily prefers part shade and moderate water, making it ideal for woodland garden settings.

Growing Humboldt Lily

Grow Humboldt Lily in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 72 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Humboldt Lily is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.

Tall flower stalks may appear untidy after blooming
Goes dormant in winter, leaving bare spots
Best used as accent rather than mass planting

Wildlife value

Humboldt lily provides valuable nectar for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies during its summer bloom period. The large, showy flowers are particularly attractive to swallowtail butterflies.

Common questions

When does Humboldt Lily bloom?: Humboldt Lily typically flowers in June and July, producing whorled clusters of orange, spotted blooms on tall stems.
What kind of light does Humboldt Lily need?: It grows best in part sun to part shade, often found along woodland edges or brushy slopes where direct afternoon sun is filtered.
How much water does Humboldt Lily need?: It prefers medium moisture during active growth but tolerates drier conditions once dormant in summer, reflecting its dry-summer regional climate.
What pollinators visit Humboldt Lily flowers?: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are regular visitors, drawn to the large recurved flowers and exposed pollen.
Does Humboldt Lily stay green year round?: No, it is deciduous, dying back to an underground bulb after blooming and going dormant through the dry season.
Is Humboldt Lily toxic to dogs?: Humboldt Lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Humboldt Lily toxic to cats?: Yes. Humboldt 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 Humboldt Lily HOA-friendly?: Humboldt Lily is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Humboldt Lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

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