Meadow Lily (Lilium canadense)

Family: Liliaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Lilium canadense is a BULB growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in starch, it can be used as a vegetable in similar ways to potatoes (Solanum tuberosum). — Rich in starch, it can be used as a vegetable in similar ways to potatoes (Solanum tuberosum).; The taste is rather like raw green corn on the ear.; The bulb can be dried, ground into a powder and used in making bread etc.; A famine food, only used when better foods are not available.

Habitat & North American Range

Wet meadows, moist rich woods especially edges, streamsides and river alluvia, bogs, marshes, swamps, along wet roadsides and railroads from sea level to 1000 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)