Lilium pardalinum, sometimes known as the panther lily or leopard lily, is a native of Oregon and California, where it usually grows in damp areas. In California it is found primarily in the central to northern part of the state in the Coast Ranges, Klamath mountains and Sierras. Typically it grows to about two meters high, the tallest and most vigorous plants can reach up to 2.5 meters. The flowers are Turk’s-cap shaped, red-orange, with numerous brown spots, usually flowering in July. The plant grows from bulbs which are small, and many are usually clustered together on a rhizomatous stock.
There are 5 recognized subspecies, three of which are rare. The growing requirements of all are similar.