Sierra Tiger Lily or Alpine Lily is native to the Sierra
Nevada region of California, east into Nevada and on
occasion a bit north into Oregon. Preferring forest regions,
mountainous and in lower elevations of willow thickets,
streams, wet meadows particularly where streams flow through
conifers.
Flowers of this lilium species are on the small side and more bell shaped than is usual in this family. Flower colors depend on the location of the plant. They can be yellow-orange to dark orange-red with lighter orange or yellow centers. Petals can be spotted with purple and/or brown. In the foothills of California's El Dorado County there is a variety with lighter pink flowers. To make it more confusing, Lilium parvum hybridizes with other lilies, as do most of the members of this clan. Whatever the color, in the middle of June through August the flowers come and steal our hearts.
