Pot-of-Gold Lily

The flower stalk may grow to be 6 feet tall, but more often they are a foot or two shorter. The individual flower stalks only create one solitary flower that hangs downward from the stem. Each flower is about 3-4 inches wide. The colors of the flowers ranges from a pale yellow to a rich orange. The petals on the flower are recurved that causes them to touch each other over the back of the stem while the stamens and the stigma hang downward in the open space. In addition, the petals also have heavy brownish-black spots. The flowers are non-fragrant.

Lilium iridollae grows along streams in wet pine woodlands and in pitcher plant bogs in the southeastern United States. It is mainly found in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Virginia. This species has become endangered in Florida and threatened in North Carolina. The balance of the habitat of this endangered plant, Lilium iridollae, is reliant on episodic, naturally occurring fires caused by lightning strikes. The fires reduce competition from other plants and release nutrients and organic substance from burned peat moss and leaves into the acidic, nutrient-poor soil. Lilium iridollae’s sensitivity to changes in drainage patterns and water quality make them predominantly susceptible to disturbances in its ecosystem. For example, they might be overgrazed by livestock and urban development in nearby areas.

Lilium iridollae and many other related species are pollinated mostly by large swallowtail butterflies. In addition, this plant is also attractive to bees and/or birds. When pollination occurs, a large seed capsule ultimately develops that can contain many hundreds of seeds.

Lilium iridollae requires specific conditions, one reason why this lily has been elusive to many enthusiasts. In general, the southeastern region of the United States is not considered "lily growing country" since it has warm winter temperatures and high humidity which are not suitable conditions for garden lilies.