Lilium superbum (turk's cap lily)

Turk's cap lily is the tallest and most spectacular of our native American lilies. Its vibrant orange flower with maroon spots blooms in July. Grows from 3–7' tall with typically three to seven blooms, but as many as 40 flowers have been recorded on a single plant. It grows well in full sun to part shade in medium to wet soils. A plant must be 7 years old before it begins to flower. Cage bulbs to prevent voles from eating them. Anti-deer measures may also be necessary. This can be a challenging plant for a beginning gardener. Note: Cats are extremely sensitive to lily toxicity. Just brushing against plants can dust them with pollen that they then consume while cleaning themselves. 

Turk's cap lily is native to eastern North America. It is found in wet meadows and along streams. In Maryland, it is especially common in the mountains and on the Eastern Shore. It is pollinated by hummingbirds and the eastern tiger swallowtail. 

Photo by Kellen McCluskey