Lilium occidentale

Description

Lilium occidentale is a perennial herb sometimes exceeding two meters in height. It grows from a scaly, elongated bulb which may be nearly 10 centimeters long. The leaves grow in a series of whorls around the stem. They may be linear to oval in shape and over 20 centimeters long. The inflorescence bears up to 35 showy nodding lily flowers. The flower has 6 recurved tepals each up to 8 centimeters long, sometimes curled back into complete rings. The tepals are usually red to orange to yellow-green, generally bicolored with more red on the inside and more greenish yellow on the outer surfaces. They are often spotted. There are six stamens with large red anthers up to 1.4 centimeters long, and a pistil which may be more than 5 centimeters in length. The flower is pollinated chiefly by hummingbirds, including Allen's hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin).

Lilium occidentale produces more nectar than any other American lily, which is not surprising given that hummingbirds are the primary pollinator.

Conservation

Threats to this species have included grazing and trampling by livestock, development and ranching, cranberry farming, genetic drift, vehicles and road maintenance, and horticultural collecting of the bulbs and flowers. New sprouts and shoots dry out quickly and are easily crushed. The invasion of trees into the plant's habitat, either by natural succession or deliberate planting and fire suppression, can alter the hydrology and soil structure enough to eliminate it.

Cultivation

Lilium occidentale grows easily from seed with stratification. It can be easily grown in an artificial type bog or other wetland setting providing its need for constant moisture during the growing season is met. (McRae). There is considerable hybridization with other native lilies, in particular L. columbianum, in areas where the two species grow in close proximity. At some locations the two species grow side by side, with L. occidentale growing in low depressions (drainage ditches) that are clearly flooded during wet periods or periods of heavy rain, and L. columbianum growing just feet away on the steeper slope.(McRae). This leads to confusion with regards to "true" phenotype.

Regardless of its relative ease of culture, Lilium occidentale is a federally protected species under the Endangered Species Act and C.I.T.E.S (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and therefore it is illegal to own or process any plant material (seed, bulbs, leaves, ETC), or sell seed or bulbs without proper documentation and approval of U.S. Fish & Wildlife. Violators face prosecution and a possible felony conviction for possession of undocumented plant material.

Toxicity

Cats

Cats are extremely sensitive to lily toxicity and ingestion is often fatal; households and gardens which are visited by cats are strongly advised against keeping this plant or placing dried flowers where a cat may brush against them and become dusted with pollen which they then consume while cleaning. Suspected cases require urgent veterinary attention. Rapid treatment with activated charcoal and/or induced vomiting can reduce the amount of toxin absorbed (this is time-sensitive so in some cases vets may advise doing it at home), and large amounts of fluid by IV can reduce damage to kidneys to increase the chances of survival.

References

References

1. link. (2009-08-08)
2. [http://bonap.net/MapGallery/County/Lilium%20occidentale.png Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map]
3. [http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=4808 Calflora taxon report, ''Lilium occidentale'' Purdy western lily ]
4. [http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101739 Flora of North America]
5. When the plant was listed as an endangered species in 1994, there were 2,000 to 3,000 individuals remaining.FWS. [http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/federal_register/fr2659.pdf Determination of Endangered Status for ''Lilium occidentale''.] ''Federal Register'' August 17, 1994.
6. [http://www.noliliesforcats.com/faq1.pml Frequently Asked Questions] No Lilies For Cats.
7. (2010). "Lily toxicity in the cat". Top Companion Anim Med.
8. [http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/lilies/ Lilies] Pet Poison Helpline.
9. [http://www.petmd.com/cat/emergency/poisoning-toxicity/e_ct_lily_poisoning Lily Poisoning in Cats]. Pet MD.