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Panther Lily

Lilium pardalinum

Last reviewed: July 2026

Lilium pardalinum (Panther Lily) is a native California and Oregon lily that blooms June through August with orange spotted flowers. This deciduous perennial thrives in partial sun and attracts bees and hummingbirds.

Panther Lily (Lilium pardalinum)
Photo: (c) Bruce Homer-Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bruce Homer-Smith

Panther Lily (Lilium pardalinum) 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, Aug

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds

Panther lily is a striking native perennial with tall stems of vibrant orange flowers marked with maroon spots. It grows 2-6 feet tall, blooming in summer with downward-facing, recurved petals that add dramatic interest to garden borders. This lily prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade conditions.

Growing Panther Lily

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

In an HOA neighborhood

Panther Lily is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

  • Dies back completely in winter, plan companion plants accordingly

Wildlife value

Highly attractive to hummingbirds and native bees, particularly bumble bees, which visit the flowers for nectar. The large, showy blooms serve as important food sources during summer months.

Common questions

When does Lilium pardalinum bloom?
Panther Lily blooms from June through August, producing distinctive orange flowers with dark spots.
What pollinators visit Lilium pardalinum?
Panther Lily attracts both bees and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers during the summer blooming period.
Where is Lilium pardalinum native?
Panther Lily is native to California and Oregon, typically found in moist areas like stream banks and wet meadows.
What growing conditions does Lilium pardalinum prefer?
Panther Lily grows best in partial sun with medium to high moisture levels, making it suitable for woodland gardens and naturalized areas.
Is Panther Lily toxic to dogs?
Panther Lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Panther Lily toxic to cats?
Yes. Panther 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 Panther Lily HOA-friendly?
Panther 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 Panther 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