Lilium distichum

Lilium distichum

Nakai (1915)
Kochang lily/高敞 (Kochang lily), Sol-nari/솔나리 (Pine lily) (Korean); Hime'yuri/ヒメユリ (Princess lily) (Japanese)


Lilium distichum (by Steve Garvie)

Overview

Section: Martagon
Origin: Northeastern Asia — Primarily found in northeastern China, Korea, and the Russian Far East (notably Amur, Ussuri, and Primorye regions).
Habitat: Open woodlands, forest margins, grassy slopes, and lightly shaded areas on well-drained soils.
Type: Temperate woodland species
Status: Stable and locally common in parts of its range, though habitat fragmentation affects some populations.

Introduction

Lilium distichum is a graceful woodland lily native to temperate regions of northeastern Asia. The “Kochang lily” refers to Gochang (Kochang) County in southwestern Korea, an area historically associated with the species. It belongs to Section Martagon, characterized by whorled leaves and often turk’s-cap flowers. First formally described by Takenoshin Nakai in 1915, this species is notable for its distinct two-ranked leaf arrangement, from which its Latin name “distichum” (“in two rows”) is derived.

It is sometimes confused with Lilium medeoloides due to overlapping ranges and similar growth habit, but it can be distinguished by its stiffer, erect stems, oppositely arranged leaves, and broader, flatter flowers with downward-facing orientation.

Description


Lilium distichum (by Karl Kristensen)

The bulb of L. distichum is small to medium-sized, ovoid, and composed of yellowish to white fleshy scales.

The stem typically grows 30–90 cm tall, occasionally reaching up to 1.2 m under ideal conditions. Leaves are arranged in two opposite ranks (distichous arrangement) rather than true whorls, a key diagnostic feature separating it from most other Martagon lilies.

The inflorescence consists of several pendant or nodding turk’s-cap flowers borne on a short raceme. The flowers are typically orange to orange-red, with darker spotting toward the base of the tepals. Tepals are reflexed but less tightly than those of L. martagon.

Flowering occurs from late June through July depending on altitude and latitude. Seeds are flat and brown, showing delayed hypogeal germination typical of Martagon lilies.

Habitat

Lilium distichum inhabits mixed deciduous–coniferous forests, often growing at the edges of woodlands, grassy clearings, and slopes with moderate drainage. It thrives in light shade to partial sun, usually in humus-rich, slightly acidic soils with good moisture retention but no standing water. It can also colonize secondary growth forests and forest roadsides if the soil remains relatively undisturbed.

Climate

This species is adapted to cool temperate climates with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Its native regions experience marked seasonality, including snow cover in winter. Bulbs are fully hardy to severe frost. Summer rainfall is generally ample due to monsoonal influences in East Asia, but drainage remains crucial.

General Information

Lilium distichum has long been admired in East Asia for its elegant form. It has occasionally been used in hybridization, though less frequently than L. martagon or L. medeoloides. The species is valued for its early summer bloom, shade tolerance, and compact growth, making it suitable for woodland gardens.

Unlike some Martagon lilies, L. distichum does not form massive colonies in the wild but occurs in scattered clusters. It is relatively resistant to browsing compared to more fragrant species.

Cultivation

Cultivation of Lilium distichum follows the general principles for Martagon lilies:

  • Soil: Humus-rich, moderately acidic to neutral woodland soils with good drainage. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions.

  • Moisture: Even moisture during the growing season; dry but not desiccated during dormancy.

  • Light: Prefers dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade — too much sun can scorch foliage.

  • Planting Depth: Bulbs should be planted 10–15 cm deep.

  • Germination: Delayed hypogeal, seeds require a cold stratification period followed by a warm period for shoot emergence.

  • Maintenance: Undisturbed planting sites favor long-term establishment; Martagons dislike frequent lifting and transplanting.

Well-established clumps can flower reliably for decades with minimal disturbance.

This page is for educational purposes only.