| Author | L. | |
| Distribution | Occurs throughout the Mountains and Piedmont, known from all counties in those provinces. Ranges east into the extreme western edge of the Coastal Plain, but it is essentially absent from this province and the Sandhills proper.
This is an Eastern species, occurring from NH, NY, and OH south into western FL and eastern TX. Unlike U. grandiflora, this species is absent from areas west of central OH and KY. | |
| Abundance | Common and widespread across the Mountains and Piedmont; rare along the western fringe of the Coastal Plain. This is one of the most often encountered "lily" species in these regions. | |
| Habitat | This species occurs in a variety of hardwood and mixed forests, typically in mesic soil conditions, such as on wooded slopes. It occurs in bottomland forests and on very rich slopes, but it is not usually found in overly dry, sandy, or rocky sites. | |
| Phenology | Blooms from early April to early May, and fruits from June into August. | |
| Identification | This wildflower needs little introduction to outdoor enthusiasts, as it is often seen on forest walks. It grows to about 1 foot tall, with a few branches off the main stem. The scattered leaves are elliptical, entire, and about 2-3 inches long, with the stem piercing the leaves near the base (i.e., perfoliate). The numerous light yellow flowers dangle downward, with the 6 tepals being 0.7-1-inch long. The species somewhat resembles the montane U. grandiflora, but that species is larger in stature, larger in flower, and the flowers are a richer golden-yellow. In addition, that larger species has tepals that are smooth on the inside/top, and the leaves are somewhat hairy or at least pubescent below. This is one of the more easily found of the spring wildflowers on a forest walk in the mountains and Piedmont, along with several other lilies such as False Solomon's-seal (Maianthemum racemosum) and Smooth Solomon's-seal (Polygonatum biflorum). | |
| Taxonomic Comments | None
| |
| Other Common Name(s) | None | |
| State Rank | S5 | |
| Global Rank | G5 | |
| State Status | | |
| US Status | | |
| USACE-agcp | FACU link |
| USACE-emp | FACU link |
