Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Turks cap lily



This flower is perhaps the most exotic-looking bloom that graces the roadsides and ditches of northern Minnesota. While everything else whispers in shades of purple, white and gold, the Turks cap lily screams deep orange with leopard spots. It also signals July, middle of the summer, long hot days and short, cool, quiet nights.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Summer is moving by too fast for me. I can't believe it's already the middle of July. Of course for us in the southern Midwest, there will be searing, scorching heat well into September, but still . . .

Is that plant a native, or was it introduced?

Deb said...

They are native. I'm thinking of trying to collect seeds, or dig some of the scales (bulbs) from a well-established stand in the fall, and get some growing in my perennial garden.

LauraHinNJ said...

I think I've read that hummers like these?

Gorgeous flower.

Lené Gary said...

I've never seen this one bloom before. It's gorgeous, Deb. I think I've seen it in Newcomb's but never in real life. What a treat.

R.Powers said...

Neato! Is that one on your place or a roadside attraction?

Anonymous said...

We always called them ditch lilies! Thanks for the real name.

Rurality said...

Jealous! I am SO jealous! Beautiful.

robin andrea said...

That is quite a beautiful flower. I hope you can get them started in your garden.

I just noticed this morning that the sun is rising a bit later already. The light is changing perceptibly.

Jim said...

That is a beauty I've never seen before and it seems to bloom about the same time as our Humboldt Lily.