''Lilium michauxii'', commonly known as the Carolina lily, is a wildflower native to the southeastern United States, thriving in dry, sandy soils of upland forests and ridges. It is the only fragrant lily species native east of the

Rocky Mountains The Rocky Mountains, also known as the Rockies, are a major mountain range and the largest mountain system in North America. The Rocky Mountains stretch in great-circle distance, straight-line distance from the northernmost part of Western Can ...

. Known for its vibrant orange to red flowers adorned with dark spots, the Carolina lily blooms from July to October, providing nectar for pollinators such as butterflies. The species was named in honor of French botanist

André Michaux André Michaux (' → ahn- mee-; sometimes Anglicisation, anglicised as Andrew Michaud; 8 March 174611 October 1802) was a French botanist and explorer. He is most noted for his study of North American flora. In addition Michaux collected specime ...

, who documented it during his explorations of North America in the 18th century. The Carolina lily is the official state wildflower of

North Carolina North Carolina ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Virginia to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, South Carolina to the south, Georgia (U.S. stat ...

, symbolizing the state's rich biodiversity and natural heritage.

Taxonomy and classification

The Carolina lily belongs to the family

Liliaceae The lily family, Liliaceae, consists of about 15 genera and 610 species of flowering plants within the order Liliales. They are monocotyledonous, perennial, herbaceous, often bulbous geophytes. Plants in this family have evolved with a fai ...

. The common name reflects an older taxonomy in which the name ''L. carolinianum'' was applied to both ''L. michauxii'' and ''L. catesbaei''. Another common name for this species is Turk's cap lily, though ''L. superbum'', a closely related species, also shares this name. Synonyms for ''L. michauxii'' include: * ''Lilium carolinianum'' Michx. * ''Lilium autumnale'' G.Lodd. * ''Lilium michauxianum'' Schult. & Schult.f. * ''Lilium lockettii'' Featherm. The scientific name honors French botanist

for his contributions to botany in North America.

Description

The Carolina lily can grow up to tall, producing vibrant flowers that are across. Its striking petals curve backward and are adorned with dark purple spots, creating a distinctive appearance. The color of the petals ranges from yellow to red, with some flowers exhibiting shades of orange or purple. This lily is unique for being the only fragrant lily species native east of the Rocky Mountains. Its leaves are arranged in whorls along the stem, a characteristic feature of this plant.

Habitat and distribution

Native to the southeastern United States, the Carolina lily thrives in dry upland forests, sandy slopes, and ridges. Its range includes southern Virginia, the Carolinas, the Florida Panhandle, and eastern Texas. This species is well-adapted to nutrient-poor soils.

Cultural and historical significance

In 2003, the Carolina lily was designated the official state wildflower of North Carolina. The species also carries historical significance, as it was first documented by André Michaux during his exploration of North American flora in the late 18th century.

Conservation status

The Carolina lily is currently listed as "Apparently Secure" (G4) by NatureServe. However, it faces threats from habitat destruction, urbanization, and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its native habitats.

References

External links

Auburn University Wildflower Notes
{{Taxonbar, from=Q141789 michauxii Flora of the Southeastern United States Symbols of North Carolina Plants described in 1803 Taxa named by André Michaux