Peter Baye recently photographed Leopard Lilies, Lilium pardalinum, a native wildflower.
This wildflower is usually found near water. It is also called Panther Lily or Tiger Lily. Whatever you call it, it is beautiful to to see in bloom.
Thanks to Peter for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
Leopard Lilies, Lilium pardalinum, are wonderful to find. They grow on tall stalks and can have multiple blossoms. They grow where water is nearby. You might find some growing alongside the Gualala River.
Craig Tooley took this closeup of one. They are sometimes called Tiger Lilies. Legend says if you smell a Tiger Lily you will get freckles.
Frank Drouillard took the photo below, which shows a Leopard Lily about to bloom. It also shows the leaves. This plant was well over two feet tall.
Thanks to Frank and Craig for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To much more of Craig's Coast photography, here's the link to his website: www.ruffimage.com
Also called Leopard Lilies, California Tiger Lilies are gracing us with their presence. Lilium pardalinum is their Latin name. They are native to California and southern Oregon. They grow near water, loving boggy conditions.
Here a Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly is feeding on a Tiger Lily. I saw one of these butterflies today, flitting through my garden.
In my original post I identified this butterfly as an Anise Swallowtail. Ron LeValley kindly gave me the correct identification and sent this link, which shows both butterflies, side-by-side: http://levalleyphoto.com/gallery/viewphoto.php?id=37 Thanks, Ron!
Leopard Lilies, Lilium pardalinum, are just about done with blooming. I have a group in my garden that is safe from our coastal Deer so Rick and I have been able to enjoy their exotic beauty for weeks. The Leopard Lilies in our forest were all eaten by Deer this year - only one actually bloomed, but only for a few days before it was eaten. These beauties are also called Tiger Lilies or Panther Lilies. As I have written here before, their roots have medicinal qualities. We just enjoy the brilliant splash of orange loveliness.
My best to you today! Jeanne Jackson
And here's what the one Lily that bloomed in the forest looked like:
http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/07/05/the-first-leopard-lily-has-bloomed-at-the-edge-of-quinliven-creek-an-exotic-beauty-on-the-mendonoma-coast/
One of my favorite wildflowers - the tropical-looking Leopard Lily, Lilium pardalinum - has bloomed on the forest floor. The splash of orange is so unexpected in the world of greens and browns. It is also called Tiger Lily or Panther Lily. Its roots have medicinal qualities but I'd just rather admire this rare beauty from afar.
