Description
Washington lily is one of the most fragrant wildflowers in the Klamath-Siskiyou region, if not the entire West. You may smell them before you see them! Not only is the blissful fragrance enjoyable, but the beauty of the flower itself is hard to beat. Washington lily is a perennial wildflower with a scaly bulb and a simple unbranched leafy stem with flowers at the top. The large white flowers sometimes fade to pink or light purple. The tall, sturdy stems have dark green, whorled leaves. It can reach up to 5′ when in full bloom, but is generally more in the 3′-4′ range. It typically flowers between July and August, depending on elevation. In the wild Washington lily prefers to grow on dry slopes and rocky ridges, and in sunny openings in coniferous forest and montane chaparral. It prefers full sun to part shade. Washington lily grows in the Cascades and Siskiyous in Oregon, and the Klamaths and Sierras in California. Washington lily is not found in Washington state like the name would suggest; the plant was actually named after Martha Washington. Drought tolerant, but definitely not deer resistant. Deer love to eat native lilies, so it will need deer protection.
Washington lily (Lilium washingtonianum) seed packets contain approximately 25 seeds.
Seed Germination Instructions
Fresh seeds, sown soon after collection, may germinate right away. Stored seed will need 90-120 days cold-moist stratification. Sow outside in early fall for best germination.
