Turk's cap lily Lilium superbum (Ixc/d)
ABOUT
Lilium superbum, commonly known as the Turk's cap lily, is a captivating plant with a highly ornamental appearance. The plant features large, flamboyant flowers that are notable for their vibrant colors, usually ranging from bright oranges to intense reds, with some variations showcasing yellow or golden hues. These striking blooms have a luscious, waxy texture and exhibit a distinctive recurved shape, with the petals dramatically curling backward towards the stem, which is where the name "Turk's cap" originates. The petals are often dotted with darker freckles or spots, which add to the exotic look of this perennial. The flower's center is graced with long, protruding stamens that carry pollen on their tips, a feature that is particularly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The impressive flowers cluster at the top of a strong, upright stem that rises from a base of long, lance-shaped leaves with a lush green color. The leaves spiral up the stem in an elegant formation, providing a verdant contrast to the vivid blossoms above. Arranged in a pyramidal or umbrella-like cluster, the flowers collectively form a visually stunning display that can be a highlight in any garden or natural setting. The Turk's cap lily not only brings visual delight but also exudes a sweet fragrance that further enhances its allure, inviting observers to come closer and enjoy an immersive sensory experience. Despite its remarkable beauty, it's worth noting that the actual structure of the plant helps support its biological functions – the luxuriant flowers aid in attracting pollinators, while the foliage partakes in the photosynthesis process essential for the plant's growth and vitality.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Turk's Cap Lily, American Tiger Lily, Swamp Lily, Lily Royal, Eastern Turk’s Cap Lily
Common names
Lilium carolinianum, Lilium grayi, Lilium michauxii, Lilium superbum var. carolinianum, Lilium superbum var. elongatum, Lilium superbum var. superbum.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Turk's cap lily is not commonly reported as being toxic to humans. However, it is always advisable to handle plants with care and avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants due to potential sensitivities or unpredictable reactions.
To pets
Turk's cap lily is highly toxic to cats. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to acute kidney failure, which is a life-threatening condition. Symptoms of poisoning in cats can include vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, and kidney failure signs such as decreased urination. Immediate veterinary care is crucial for any cat that has ingested this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
3-8 feet (0.91-2.44 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.30-0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Lilium superbum, commonly known as the Turk's cap lily, is known for its large, showy flowers that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator attractant: The vibrant flowers of the Turk's cap lily attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to pollination in the garden ecosystem.
- Erosion control: The robust root system of the Turk's cap lily helps to stabilize soil, reducing erosion on slopes and in areas prone to soil loss.
- Habitat enrichment: Offering habitat and food resources, the plant provides shelter and nourishment to various insects and animals within its environment.
- Cultural significance: The Turk's cap lily may hold cultural importance for certain communities who appreciate and cultivate native plant species.
- Educational interest: Schools and educational gardens incorporate the Turk's cap lily for teaching botany and ecology due to its distinct features and role in the native habitat.
- Seasonal interest: With its summer blooming period, the Turk's cap lily adds seasonal interest to gardens and naturalized areas when many other plants may not be in peak display.
Medical Properties- Diuretic: Traditionally used to promote the production of urine.
- Astringent: May have been used to tighten tissues and reduce discharge.
- Anti-inflammatory: Sometimes used to reduce inflammation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lilium superbum, also known as Turk's cap lily, has been historically used by Native Americans for cooked bulbs as a food source, similar to potatoes.
- The sturdy stems of Turk's cap lilies have been used in floral arrangements and as natural supports in the garden for weaker-stemmed plants.
- The colourful petals of Turk's cap lily are sometimes crystallized and used as edible decorations on cakes and pastries.
- Turk's cap lily, due to its large, conspicuous flowers, is often planted as an ornamental plant to enhance the landscape and attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
- The crushed leaves of Turk's cap lily have been sprinkled onto logs in shaded areas to encourage the growth of certain edible mushrooms that thrive on the decaying plant matter.
- Dried Turk's cap lilies are used in the craft of dried flower arrangements, adding a touch of elegance and natural beauty to homes and events.
- The seed pods of Turk's cap lily can be harvested and used as natural containers or vases for small arrangements after they have been dried and treated.
- The vibrant blooms can also serve as a natural dye source for textiles, providing shades of orange and yellow to fabrics.
- The tall and straight growth habit of Turk's cap lily makes it useful as a natural fence or border when planted in a linear fashion.
- Due to their height and dramatic presence, Turk's cap lilies are used in theatrical productions and photo shoots to create a visually striking backdrop.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Turk's Cap Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Turk's Cap Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: The common name of Lilium superbum is the Turk's cap lily, which is known for its striking appearance and beautiful flowers, symbolizing pure and majestic beauty.
- Pride: The word "superbum" in its scientific name hints at a sense of superiority and pride, reflecting the plant's grandeur and stately form.
- Wealth: The lush fullness of the Turk's cap lily flower can represent abundance and wealth, possibly due to its numerous and large blossoms on a single stem.
- Prosperity: Associated with abundant blooming, the Turk's cap lily can symbolize prosperity and successful growth.
- Fertility: With its numerous seeds and propensity to spread in the wild, this lily is often associated with fertility and creation of life.
WaterThe Turk's Cap Lily, commonly known as Lilium superbum, should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry. Typically, this equates to watering once a week, but the frequency may need to increase during hot or dry periods. When watering, slowly pour water around the base of the plant, allowing it to soak in and reach the roots without causing run-off. Approximately 1-2 gallons of water should be sufficient for each watering session, ensuring even soil moisture. Overwatering should be avoided, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
LightFor optimal growth, the Turk's Cap Lily (Lilium superbum) requires full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should be planted in a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. If the climate is particularly hot, providing afternoon shade can prevent scorching of the leaves. The best location for this plant would be in an area where it can bask in the morning sunlight while being protected from the harsh afternoon rays.
TemperatureThe Turk's Cap Lily thrives in a temperature range of 60°F to 70°F but can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F and maximum temperatures up to 85°F. Winter hardiness extends to USDA zones 4 through 8. The ideal growing conditions involve warm summer days and cooler nights, which helps promote healthy growth and flower development.
PruningPruning Turk's Cap Lilies involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage further blooming and to maintain the plant's appearance. Once blooming has ceased, typically in late summer, you can trim back the plant if any stems or leaves are yellowing or dead. However, it's important to leave as much of the plant intact as possible because the leaves will help nourish the bulb for the next season. Pruning is not frequently required; just tidy up the plant as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Tiger Lily (Lilium superbum) should be well-draining with rich, loamy soil amended with organic matter such as peat or compost. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingTiger Lilies typically do not require frequent repotting. They can be repotted every 3 to 4 years or when the bulbs become overcrowded in the container. Repotting should be done after the blooming season in the fall.
Humidity & MistingTiger Lilies prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable to various conditions. Aim for a relative humidity of around 40-60% for ideal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and good air circulation for indoor Tiger Lilies.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade for outdoor Tiger Lilies.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Lilium superbum, commonly known as the Turk's cap lily, begins with seed germination, which occurs in well-drained soil with adequate moisture and shade cover. The seed develops into a bulb, which is the survival and growth organ of the plant, and over time, it produces strap-like leaves. As the plant matures, it sends up a sturdy stem that can reach several feet in height, and leaves grow along this stem in whorls. The growth culminates in the flowering stage during the summer, where numerous large, showy flowers with reflexed petals and prominent stamens bloom, attracting pollinators such as butterflies and bees. After pollination, these flowers develop into seed capsules that split open upon maturation to release seeds, allowing for dispersal and the beginning of a new growth cycle. During the winter, the above-ground parts of the lily die back, while the bulb lies dormant underground until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Lilium superbum, commonly known as the Turk's cap lily, is by scaling. This typically takes place late in summer after the lily has flowered. To propagate by scaling, gardeners gently remove a few scales from the mature bulb. These scales are then placed in a bag containing moist vermiculite or peat moss and stored in a cool, dark place, around 70°F (21°C), which encourages the formation of bulblets. After about 3 months or when tiny bulblets form at the base of the scales, they can be planted out individually. It's important not to let the scales dry out during this process, as moisture is crucial for successful bulblet formation.
