Nature Walk: Michigan Lily

Michigan Lilies are native wild lilies found in moist prairies and low open woodlands. Like orchids and grasses they have one seed leaves and are also monocots. The flowers are formed on the top of the plant. They have 6 petal-like tepals, which strongly curve back toward the main stem above a whorl of leaves. Six stamens with anthers form the male flower part while the pistil, the female flower part in the center, consists of a long slender style with a stigma at its end. In this photo, a small beetle appears to be en route to the flower perhaps to play a role in pollination.

Have you seen any Michigan lilies this summer? What other flowers do they remind you of?

If you are interested in purchasing a print of this photo or requesting information on possible use of any of our “Nature Walk” photographs, please contact Carl Kurtz at cpkurtz@netins.net.

View our other Nature Walk posts!