Lilium catesbaei aka Catesby's Lily

Lilium catesbaei, or pine lily, comes from the southeastern United States. It belongs to the lily family, Liliaceae. Other names include Catesby's lily and southern red lily. In North Carolina, it grows in coastal pine savannas and sandhill seeps. Its name honors the English naturalist Mark Catesby. This native wildflower is a herbaceous perennial that grows from a bulb.

Plants reach 2–3 feet [0.61–0.91 metres] tall. Their spread is 1–2 feet [0.30–0.61 metres]. Thin green stems give the plant an upright form. The stems have no scent. Narrow green leaves form a dense rosette at the base. Each leaf has a pointed tip and smooth edges. The leaves lack hairs and have a simple, linear shape. They measure about 0.17–0.25 feet [0.05–0.08 metres] long. Wild bulbs may remain dormant for up to five years. Growth often improves after fire removes nearby competing plants.

Single orange flowers top the stems from July through September. Each cup-shaped bloom spans 0.25–0.5 feet [0.08–0.15 metres]. Its six petals bend back from the flower's center. Purple spots mark the yellow base of each petal. Long stamens bear yellow anthers. Large butterflies visit the blooms and pollinate them. The flowers also draw hummingbirds and other pollinators. Oval seed capsules follow the flowers. These remain on display from September through November. They hold many thin, papery seeds that scatter on the wind.

Pine lily needs sun or part sun and acid soil. Sand or sandy loam suits its roots. The soil should stay moist to wet. It tolerates wet ground but not drought, salt, or shade. Its listed hardiness range covers USDA zones 7–10. It needs close care and can be hard to grow. Raising new plants can also prove difficult. Seed and division are listed ways to propagate it. Container growing may be possible where its needs can be met.

This lily suits native, rain, and butterfly gardens with the right conditions. Its bright flowers bring color in late summer. It offers wildlife value through its visits from pollinators. No major pest or disease issues are reported. Listed possible pests include bulb mites, aphids, and narcissus bulb fly. Slugs and snails may also affect flowers and leaves. The plant poses a risk to cats. The supplied sources do not establish any edible use.