'L. davidii' (Lilium)

Used a great deal in early hybridizing, this native of the mountainous regions of Western China is well suited to the garden. As with Lilium dauricum , traces of Lilium davidii "blood" can be found in just about every modern day hybrid. This pendant-shaped, vermilion to scarlet colored flower is peppered in black spots. Seed production is abundant and easy to grow. This is a tall species reaching four feet or more in the garden. This species was also instrumental in producing de Graaff's famous 'Fiesta Hybrids'

Photo inset is Lilium davidii being "visited" by one of our native Swallowtail butterflies. As with most of the orange and red Lilium species, butterflies love them, and seem to be more attracted to the wild flowers than the hybrids, possibly because of the reflexed flower form.