Canadian Lily Conservation

Canadian Lily (Lilium canadense) Conservation:

What are we up to?

There is a large population of rare Canadian Lilies along the Saddlemire trail, which is also one of the largest populations in St. Lawrence County. We have established 19 distinct patches, and have chosen a handful to consistently monitor for disease, lily leaf beetles, and to track their development as the season progresses. We have been monitoring the lily leaf beetle (Lilioceris lilii), which causes significant damage to true lilies. Beetles chew holes in the leaves, stems and buds of the plant, ultimately destroying the plants and flowers. Beetles lay their eggs and develop only on true lilies.

We have worked on marking the patches of lilies along the Saddlemire trail on campus, and made those areas ‘no mow zones’ to preserve lily biodiversity. We have also constructed painted signs along the trail to inform the community of where the lilies reside.

What do they look like?

Canadian Lilies look a bit different than your regular lily. This true lily has smooth, light green stems and flowers ranging from orangish-yellow to red that are facing downwards with six tepals and dark spots on the inside. The plant can be 3-6 feet tall with up to 16-20 flowers depending on the age of the plant.

Where?

Take a walk along the Saddlemire trail! Once you go past the painted Living Lab sign, you’ll come across a set of bridges. You’ll know you’re entering Canadian Lily territory when you see a sign with a painted lily. Along both sides are marked areas with neon orange tape where you will see stems poking up in May and bloom in late June-July! They are also located alongside roads, streams, moist meadows  and wetlands. 

Lily Leaf Beetle:

It is thought the lily leaf beetle arrived in a shipment of bulbs from Europle, and has spread throughout New England and into Canada as an invasive species. They are the size of a fingernail and a bright red color with a black head.

Handpicking the beetles is an effective way to reduce lily damage. However, it is difficult to do so as a result of a “fecal shield” they cover themselves with to help deter predators. They also have a defensive mechanism of letting go of the leaf and dropping from the plant when they sense danger.

How can you get involved?

If you see Canadian Lily's where you live, be careful not to mow them over, as that makes their life cycle restart and it takes them many years to reestablish. Furthermore, if you happen to spot the jewel red lily leaf beetle, you can attempt to handpick them off the lily and check underneath the leaves for eggs.