Description

This lily is found in southern Oregon and the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada down to Fresno County at mid and high elevations. It favors bright shade under forest canopies or open meadows. It does not grow in or near perennial water. These areas have rather high winter precipitation but dry summers. With Humboldt’s lily, Washington is one of California’s summer-dry lilies. After May 1, water should be withheld or provided sparingly. Washington lily grows as one to several grass-like leaves over many years. Once adequate energy has been stored in the bulb a flow stalk appears with the usual series of whorls seen in other lilies. This is topped with several white trumpet-shaped blooms.