Lilium (Liliaceae)

xanthellum var. luteum

A small species only recently introduced from China, where it is native to western Sichuan only occurring along deep valleys at around 3500m. Where this yellow scaly bulb to 5 cm across thrusts sturdy stems to 55 cm tall covered with small scattered linear leaves 4-8 cm long. Topped by one or two widely opening bright yellow lightly purple speckled flowers June-July. Possibly a lime tolerant species preferring a good fertile soil with added humus that does not get too wet, tolerant of full sun in cooler areas or light shade in hot areas.