Family: Liliaceae, Lily view all from this family

Description This is an extremely variable, colony-forming lily, spreading by creeping, rhizomatous bulbs. The stout stems are 3-6 ft. high with whorls of pale- to deep-green, narrow leaves. Each stem bears one to several nodding, yellow, orange or red, maroon-spotted flowers at its apex.

Endangered Status The Pitkin Marsh Lily, a subspecies of the Leopard Lily, is on the U.S. Endangered Species List. It is classified as endangered in California. The central coast in Marin, Napa, and Sonoma Counties is a lovely and desirable place to live, and that has been the downfall of many of the local wildflowers, including this one. The Pitkin Marsh Lily has been squeezed out by development and has lost wetland habitat when water-management practices have altered the water table. The remaining plants are subject to competition with invasive plant species, hungry cattle, and horticulturists looking to nip a few plants.

Flower May - July.

Habitat Conifer stream banks and areas around springs; up to 6000 ft. elevation.

Range California Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada, north to s. Oregon.

Discussion This lily, often described as "charming" and "graceful," is considered the easiest of the native Pacific Coast lilies to grow and maintain. It is widely available in the nursery trade.