Wood Lily is a beautiful, easy-to-grow native flower that delivers fiery flowers every summer. Its huge native range—from the Northeast to the Midwest—makes it perfect for millions of gardeners. Scroll on to find planting and sourcing tips.
- Part Sun
- Medium (3-5')
- Summer flowers
- Pollinator lifeline
Where should I plant Wood Lily?
Due to its moderate height (1 to 3 feet), Wood Lily works well in the middle or front of a border, adding a splash of color with its vibrant, orange-red flowers.
They thrive in both full sun and partial shade, making them great for beginner gardeners and for different garden settings.
Keep it away from soggy, wet soil
For optimal growth, the Wood Lily prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If you’re planting in a heavier soil, consider amending it with compost to improve drainage.
Where are Wood Lilies native?
The Wood Lily is native to North America, with its range spanning from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada down through the United States to the east of the Rocky Mountains, reaching as far south as Georgia and as far west as California.
Are there other native lilies?
YES! There are 20+ native lilies in North America. Read our Beginner’s Guide to Native Lilies to meet some other native lily options.
Where can I find Wood Lilies for my garden?
Finding a specific native plant can be challenging. Sadly, most conventional nurseries do not stock many native plants.
But we have a solution! Here are four ideas for sourcing Wood Lilies in your area:
Where can I find seeds and plants?
Finding native plants can be challenging (we partly blame Marie Antoinette.) To make it easier, we’ve assembled four sourcing ideas.
Native Nursery List
100+ native nurseries makes finding one a breeze
Online Native Plant Sellers
We've included 100+ online resources to help
Society Plant Sales
Every state has a native plant society; find yours
Online Communities
Local Facebook groups are a great plant source
What are good pairings for Wood Lily?
There are so many amazing native flowers, shrubs, and tree that pair beautifully with Wood Lily. Some great options to explore include:
To sum up our love letter to Wood Lilies…these are beautiful, resilient flowers that can be planted in almost any garden in North America. Wood Lily is great for borders, butterfly gardens, and hummingbird gardens. They thrive in a wide range of light—from full sun to part shade—making them perfect for beginner gardeners. Don’t forget to visit our Beginner’s Guide to Native Lilies to meet more native options. Happy planting!
Sources
- Nelson, Gil. Best Native Plants for Southern Gardens: A Handbook for Gardeners, Homeowners, and Professionals, (2010).
- Harstad, Carolyn. Go Native! Gardening with Native Plants and Wildflowers in the Lower Midwest. (1999), 209-210.
