Lilium davidii

Lilium davidii

(Elwes, 1877)

David's lily

Overview

Section: Sinomartagon (Sino-Himalayan Montane Group)
Origin: Southwestern and central China, chiefly in the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu, Shaanxi, Hubei, and Guizhou.
Habitat: Montane meadows, forest margins, bamboo thickets, and disturbed alpine pastureland between 1,800–3,200 meters.
Type: Widespread montane Sinomartagon; culturally domesticated lily with culinary and horticultural significance.
Status: Widespread but locally declining due to habitat conversion and collection pressure.
Chromosome number: 2n = 24 (diploid).

Introduction

Lilium davidii was described by Henry John Elwes in 1877, based upon material collected in western China. The species commemorates Père Armand David, the French Jesuit naturalist whose field explorations revealed many notable East Asian taxa to Western science during the nineteenth century. Among lilies, L. davidii is one of the most economically and culturally significant, occupying a central place in traditional horticulture, cuisine, and medicinal use across its native range. It is also a foundational wild progenitor of the Asiatic hybrid lilies widely grown in modern ornamental horticulture.

This vigorous, orange-flowered Turk’s-cap represents a principal element of the Sino-Himalayan lily flora. Its combination of floral beauty, ecological adaptability, and edible bulbs has resulted in a complex relationship between wild and cultivated forms, blurring the boundary between natural species and ethnobotanical crop. In many rural upland communities of western China, L. davidii has long been harvested both from the wild and from semi-cultivated beds maintained in association with terraced fields and forest margins.

Description

The bulb is ovoid to cylindrical, typically 4–7 cm in diameter, composed of firm ivory-colored scales and sometimes producing short rhizomatous extensions that assist clonal spread. The stem rises 60–150 cm, strong and erect, green or infused with purple, bearing numerous narrow lanceolate leaves arranged spirally or in loose whorls, each 8–14 cm long.

The inflorescence is a showy raceme, often bearing 8–20 or more pendent flowers on vigorous plants. The flowers are Turk’s-cap in form, 5–7 cm across, with strongly reflexed orange-vermilion tepals lightly to moderately spotted toward the throat. Filaments are slender and the anthers produce deep orange pollen. Fragrance may be faint or absent depending on population. Flowering typically occurs from mid-July to late August. The erect capsules contain numerous flattened seeds, germination being delayed hypogeal, with bulb formation during the first winter and subsequent leaf emergence in spring.

Recognised Sub-taxa of Lilium davidii

Although Lilium davidii exhibits considerable morphological variation across its wide Sino-Himalayan range, particularly in flower spotting, stature, and bulb development, it is not currently divided into subspecies. Modern molecular analyses have collapsed earlier named varieties and regional forms into a single taxonomic entity. As a result, historical varietal names associated with horticultural selection and local ecotypes are no longer recognised at formal rank.

This variability is likely the product of both natural geographic variation and long-standing human interaction, since L. davidii has been cultivated, harvested, and selected for edible bulbs in parts of China for centuries. Many formerly described “varieties” therefore reflect local landraces, horticultural selections, and early taxonomic interpretations rather than genetically distinct taxa.

Accepted Infraspecific Taxon

The only recognised and accepted variety, representing the typical wild montane form across western and central China. All other named entities are treated as synonyms or horticultural/ecotypic expressions of this nominate variety is Lilium davidii var. davidii

The following names were published in early floristic and horticultural literature but are now regarded as synonyms or informal horticultural forms. They are retained here for historical and reference purposes.

Historically Published Varieties — Not Accepted Today.

• Lilium davidii var. unicolor (Hoog) Cotton, 1938

  • Cultivated edible-lily strain with larger bulbs
  • Lighter or nearly unspotted tepals
    • Historically valued in agricultural germplasm
    • Widely cited, especially in edible-lily literature, but not formally accepted

• Lilium davidii var. macranthum Raffill ex Woodcock & Coutts, 1935 / 1938

  • Originally described as a “large-flowered” form
  • No longer separated; merged into the nominate variety

• Lilium davidii var. schootii Bergmans, 1939

  • Minor morphological differences with ambiguous description
  • Poorly supported and synonymised in modern treatment

• Lilium davidii var. willmottiae (E.H. Wilson) Raffill, 1938

  • Named for Ellen Willmott
  • Described as more elegant, orange-red with chestnut spots
  • Treated as synonym today

These names represent morphological or regional expressions, horticultural selections, and early taxonomic hypotheses prior to molecular reassessment.

There are a number of former species names now synonymised under L. davidii. These former names are historically described as separate species, these names have been reduced to synonymy under L. davidii sensu lato. These represent heterotypic synonyms, distinct names now understood to refer to the same biological species.

  • Lilium biondii Baroni (1895)

  • Lilium cavaleriei H.Lév. & Vaniot (1905)

  • Lilium sutchuenense Franch. (1892)

  • Lilium thayerae E.H. Wilson (1913)

In summary, no subspecies are currently recognized. The only accepted variety is Lilium davidii var. davidii.

Habitat

Lilium davidii inhabits the cool montane belts of western and central China influenced by the Asian monsoon. It occupies a broad ecological niche, occurring along forest margins of spruce–fir and mixed deciduous woodlands, among rhododendron and bamboo scrub, and across open grasslands and abandoned agricultural terraces enriched by organic matter from 1,500-3,000m.

Soils are humus-rich, acidic to slightly acidic, well-aerated, and consistently moist yet freely draining. Snow cover and deep winter dormancy characterize its native range, while summer conditions are cool and humid, with frequent mist and cloud cover. In many locations L. davidii persists where traditional agriculture is practiced, thriving on the edges of human cultivation and tolerating periodic disturbance, grazing, and seasonal soil turnover. Its tolerance of disturbance is one reason for its historical association with rural upland communities.

Climate

The climate of the L. davidii region is defined by cool summers and cold winters, with annual precipitation between 900–1,600 mm, most of which falls during the summer monsoon. Mean summer temperatures range from 14–22 °C (57–72 °F), seldom exceeding levels that would induce heat stress, while winter freezes are moderated by snow insulation. Optimal root-zone temperatures remain below ~18–20 °C, reflecting its adaptation to montane soils with high organic content and good air exchange.

Morphological and Ecological Relationships

Lilium davidii stands among the core Sinomartagon complex and is closely allied to L. lancifolium, L. duchartrei, and L. lankongense. Compared to L. lancifolium, with which it has been historically confused, L. davidii lacks aerial bulbils and presents a more robust montane habit with larger flowers and a more substantial bulb suited to human consumption. It differs from L. duchartrei in its taller stature, broader ecological tolerance, and far larger blooms, and from the high-alpine L. davadii in its less delicate structure, greater floral count, and wider distribution. Within the Sinomartagon group, it represents a relatively moisture-tolerant montane lineage capable of occupying semi-disturbed habitats, an ecological bridge between wild alpine lilies and the earliest domesticated forms.

Phylogeny and Evolution

Molecular studies consistently place Lilium davidii in the Sino-Himalayan Sinomartagon clade as a key ancestral species contributing significantly to the genetic foundation of Asiatic hybrid lilies. Its evolutionary history reflects both natural montane radiation and long-term interaction with human cultivation, resulting in regional morphological variation and occasional introgression patterns within the complex of related taxa. In evolutionary terms it occupies a central position among the Chinese orange Turk’s-cap lilies, combining ancient montane lineage traits with adaptive plasticity conducive to semi-agricultural settings.
(Northern / montane Sinomartagon)
┌── L. duchartrei
┌─────────────┤
│ └── L. davadii
┌───────────┤
│ │ ┌── L. lankongense
Section │ └─────────────┤
Sinomartagon │ └── Lilium davidii
│
│ (Eastern / lowland & domesticate-linked line)
│ ┌── L. lancifolium
└─────────────────────────┤
└── L. pumilum

Cultivation

In cultivation Lilium davidii thrives in cool to temperate climates with humus-rich, slightly acidic soils and consistent moisture. It prefers bright light or open woodland conditions and benefits from deep organic mulching that simulates mountain soils. It performs admirably in maritime and high-latitude temperate regions such as the Pacific Northwest and northern Europe, while declining rapidly in climates characterized by high summer heat, lime-rich soils, or water stagnation. Propagation may be accomplished by division, scaling, or seed; seedlings follow a delayed hypogeal pattern typical of montane lilies.

Breeding and Hybridization

Lilium davidii has played a foundational role in the development of Asiatic hybrids, particularly within the Sinomartagon lineage. Its vigor, disease tolerance, and strong stem and bulb qualities have made it one of the most influential species in modern lily breeding programs. Selected forms of L. davidii have been successfully crossed with L. amabile, L. bulbiferum var. croceum, L. cernuum, L. dauricum, L. lancifolium, and L. pumilum. Many of these hybrids form the backbone of Asiatic lily lines grown today (McRae).

One of the most notable early contributions was the Preston hybrids (L. davidii × L. dauricum), which subsequently produced the Stenographer hybrids. Other historically significant lines include the Patterson hybrids (L. davidii × L. cernuum); L. × scottiae (L. davidii var. willmottiae × L. × elegans ‘Mahogany’); the Burgundy and Citronella series (L. davidii × L. amabile); and Chris North’s ‘Ariadne’ (L. davidii × L. lankongense).

Through these and subsequent breeding lines, the genetic influence of L. davidii can be traced through nearly every modern Asiatic hybrid group, where it continues to contribute strength, adaptability, and horticultural quality.

Conservation

Although still locally abundant across portions of its range, Lilium davidii is coming under increasing pressure from agricultural expansion, rural development, and the continued harvest of bulbs for food and traditional medicine. In some regions, intensified land use and loss of traditional meadow-forest agricultural mosaics threaten its persistence. Conservation priorities include preservation of montane mixed-use landscapes, promotion of sustainable harvest practices, and maintenance of wild genetic diversity distinct from culturally selected local strains.

Evolutionary and Cultural Significance

Lilium davidii is both an ecological product of the Sino-Himalayan highlands and a cultural heirloom species tied to traditional mountain agriculture. As one of the most important edible and historically cultivated lilies in Asia, it provides a living bridge between wild montane flora and domesticated ornamental lineages. Its persistence illuminates themes of mountain refugia, traditional agro-ecology, and the evolutionary pathways that connect endemic plant biodiversity with long-term human stewardship.

Works Cited

Primary Taxonomic & Historical Sources

  • Elwes, H. J. (1877). A Monograph of the Genus Lilium. London: Taylor & Francis.

  • Baker, J. G. (1871–1888). Lilium spp. descriptions in Refugium Botanicum and Gardeners’ Chronicle.

Modern Phylogeny & Systematics

  • Gao, Y-D., Harris, A. J., He, X. (2015). “Plastid phylogenomics and molecular evolution of Lilium.”
    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 87: 1–17.

  • Duan, Y., Landis, J. B., Wang, X. et al. (2022).
    “Phylogeny, biogeography, and diversification of Lilium.”
    Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 198(1): 1–18.

  • Kim, J.-H. et al. (2019).
    “Revised plastome-based phylogeny of Lilium.”
    Plant Systematics and Evolution.

  • Nishikawa, T., Okazaki, K., & Nagasawa, A. (1999–2007).
    Cytogenetic and molecular analyses of Lilium spp. in East Asia.
    Various papers in Euphytica and Journal of the Japanese Society for Horticultural Science.

Chinese Floristic Literature

  • Wu, Z-Y. & Raven, P. (eds.) (1994–2013). Flora of China. Science Press / Missouri Botanical Garden Press.

  • Wang, T. & Tang, C. (2011). Lilium in China: Taxonomy and Distribution. Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Cultural / Ethnobotanical Sources

  • Li, H. (2002).
    “Edible bulbs of Lilium davidii and traditional usage.”
    Journal of Ethnobotany of China.

  • Lilium Species Foundation Database (2024).
    Verified field notes, morphological descriptions, range records.