Western Prairie Lily
Lilium philadelphicum var. andinum
Western Prairie Lily is one of the most breathtaking native wildflowers of the central North American prairie. Its upward-facing, flame-orange to scarlet-red blooms spotted with deep purple rise above the grassland in early summer, making it the floral emblem of Saskatchewan and a symbol of passionate beauty, rarity, and the soaring spirit of the open land.
Liliaceae (Lily family)
Early to midsummer (June-July; occasionally into August)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: anigozanthos manglesiis and lilacs also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Western Prairie Lily holds the singular honor of being the floral emblem of Saskatchewan, Canada, where it was adopted in 1941 as a symbol of the province's prairie spirit, resilience, and natural beauty. It appears on the flag of Saskatchewan, making it one of the few wildflowers to be featured on a provincial or state flag in North America. In the traditions of the Blackfoot, Cree, and other Plains nations, the lily was associated with the beauty and abundance of the summer prairie, and the bulbs were a prized seasonal food. In the broader language of flowers, orange and red lilies symbolize passion, confidence, and proud beauty -- attributes well suited to a wildflower that stands tall and upward-facing above the prairie grasses, catching the full summer sun.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; blooms best in open, sunny conditions; tolerates light shade of woodland edges
Water
Moderate; prefers moist to mesic, well-drained soils; tolerates some summer dryness but not prolonged drought; goes dormant after seed set in late summer
Soil
Sandy loam, Well-drained, Moist to mesic, Humus-enriched, Slightly acidic to neutral
Expert Growing Tips
Plant bulbs in fall, 4-6 inches deep in well-drained, moist sandy loam in full sun
Seeds require a double dormancy period: sow fresh in fall for germination 12-18 months later
Protect bulbs from deer and rodents, which find them highly palatable
Cross-pollination is needed for seed set; plant several bulbs together
Never pick wild plants or harvest wild bulbs -- populations are declining and the plant is protected in several states and provinces
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Prairie and meadow gardens as a spectacular, rare mid-summer accent
- Native bulb gardens planted in groups of 3-5 for visual impact
- Butterfly, monarch, and hummingbird gardens as a major nectar source
- Open woodland edge plantings for seasonal summer color
- Cut flowers -- exceptionally beautiful and fragrant; vase life 7-10 days
Traditional Uses
- The bulbs were an important food source for many Indigenous peoples of the Plains and Great Basin, consumed raw, roasted, or dried and stored for winter
- The Blackfoot and other Plains nations used the bulb medicinally for boils and skin conditions; a poultice of the bulb was applied directly to the skin
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Western Prairie Lily
What does western prairie lily symbolize?
Western prairie lily symbolizes passionate beauty, pride, and rare splendor. Its upward-facing, flame-orange blooms standing tall above the prairie have made it an emblem of confidence and soaring spirit. As the floral emblem of Saskatchewan, it represents the natural pride and resilience of the Canadian Great Plains.
Is western prairie lily the floral emblem of Saskatchewan?
Yes -- Lilium philadelphicum var. andinum, the prairie or western red lily, has been the official floral emblem of Saskatchewan since 1941. It is depicted on the flag of Saskatchewan, making it one of the very few wildflowers featured on a Canadian provincial flag.
Why is western prairie lily declining in the wild?
It is declining due to habitat loss from agricultural conversion of prairie, overgrazing, and road maintenance. Picking wild flowers prevents seed set and depletes bulb energy, and illegal bulb collection is also a threat. It is now protected in several provinces and states. Never pick or collect wild plants -- purchase nursery-propagated bulbs instead.
Is prairie lily toxic to cats?
Yes -- like most true lilies (Lilium species), western prairie lily is highly toxic to cats and can cause acute kidney failure even in small amounts. It is not toxic to dogs or horses. Keep it away from areas accessible to cats.
How do you grow western prairie lily from seed?
Seeds require a double dormancy period and take 12-18 months from sowing to germination. Sow fresh seed in fall directly outdoors in a prepared, well-drained bed. Growing from nursery-purchased bulbs is much faster -- plant in fall, 4-6 inches deep in full sun with moist, well-drained sandy loam. Cross-pollination with a second plant is required for seed production.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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