Michigan Lily
Lilium michiganense
Last reviewed: June 2026
Lilium michiganense (Michigan Lily) is a native wildflower blooming orange in June-July across the Midwest and Southeast. This forb attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in partial sun to shade conditions.
Michigan Lily (Lilium michiganense) 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"–60" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, IA, IL and 13 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
This lily is a stunning native wildflower that produces bright orange flowers with dark spots and recurved petals in summer. This tall, elegant perennial grows from bulbs and naturalizes well in partly shaded areas with consistent moisture.
Growing Michigan Lily
Grow Michigan Lily in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 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
Michigan 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.
- Very tall and wild-looking appearance
- Can spread and naturalize beyond planted area
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
The large, nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds during the summer blooming period. The seeds also provide food for birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- When does Michigan Lily bloom?
- Michigan Lily blooms during June and July, producing distinctive orange flowers with recurved petals and dark spots.
- What pollinators visit Michigan Lily?
- Michigan Lily attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its bright orange flowers and accessible nectar.
- Where is Michigan Lily native?
- Michigan Lily is native to 20 states including Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, and others across the Midwest and Southeast regions.
- What growing conditions does Michigan Lily prefer?
- Michigan Lily grows best in partial sun with medium to moist soil conditions, though it can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
- Is Michigan Lily toxic to dogs?
- Michigan Lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Michigan Lily toxic to cats?
- Yes. Michigan 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 Michigan Lily HOA-friendly?
- Michigan 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 Michigan 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