How much sun does Speckle Wood-lily need?

Speckle Wood-lily grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Speckle Wood-lily bloom?

Speckle Wood-lily blooms in May and June.

Where is Speckle Wood-lily native?

Speckle Wood-lily (Clintonia umbellulata) is native to GA, KY, MD, NC and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Speckle Wood-lily attract?

Speckle Wood-lily draws bees and beetles.

Is Speckle Wood-lily HOA-friendly?

Speckle Wood-lily takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Speckle Wood-lily

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Clintonia umbellulata

Last reviewed: June 2026

Toxicity unknown

Speckle Wood-lily (Clintonia umbellulata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–12" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

GA, KY, MD, NC and 7 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau

Speckle wood-lily is a charming native wildflower that produces clusters of small white flowers above glossy, broad leaves in late spring. This woodland perennial stays compact and well-behaved, forming small clumps that spread slowly over time. It thrives in partially shaded areas with consistent moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Speckle Wood-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.

Appears too wild or weedy for formal landscapes
Small size makes it look like an unwanted wildflower
May go completely dormant and disappear seasonally

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the May-June bloom period. The plant provides modest nectar resources for pollinators in shaded garden areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Speckle Wood-lily need?: Speckle Wood-lily grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Speckle Wood-lily bloom?: Speckle Wood-lily blooms in May and June.
Where is Speckle Wood-lily native?: Speckle Wood-lily (Clintonia umbellulata) is native to GA, KY, MD, NC and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Speckle Wood-lily attract?: Speckle Wood-lily draws bees and beetles.
Is Speckle Wood-lily HOA-friendly?: Speckle Wood-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 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 Speckle Wood-lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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