“Prairie Lily, Summer Queen”

Also known as the “wood lily,” “fire lily,” and “wild tiger lily,” this summer queen is a rare sight to behold only found in natural prairie tracts. It grows at a modest height of 12 inches, but the nectar and pollen attract bees, hummingbirds, and larger butterflies such as Swallowtails and Monarchs. Flowers are funnel-shaped, red-orange petals with brown spots near the base. The leaves are narrow and elliptical in shape, alternating and tapering to a point.

Bulbs were harvested by Native Americans for food and medicine. The bulbs were traditionally cooked and then applied to surface wounds.

Prairie Lily is accompanied by the American Small Copper butterfly and bees, acknowledging the important partnership between prairie plants and pollinators.

Original mixed media on raw stretched canvas with maple float frame.