On Nov 21, 2016, at 5:37 PM, pbs-request@lists.ibiblio.org wrote: > I'm having a hard time getting information about taking care of L. > occidentale. I haven't obtained bulbs of this species yet (still looking), > but I received a seed package from Chiltern nursery and information of > growing hypogeal liliums. However, what are the natural conditions of this > beautiful lily? > > Cheers, > > Joe Joe > _________ I found google to be helpful. It lead me to this document: https://oregon.gov/ODA/shared/… Which includes the following information: Western lily is often found near the ocean in freshwater fens and on the edges of bogs, in coastal prairie and scrub, and in transition zones between these communities. The species also occurs in spruce forest, but plants in this habitat are stunted and do not produce flowers. It occurs at elevations ranging from just above sea level to about 120 m (400 ft). The species occurs in two distinct soil types. The first type, deep organic peat, which is saturated for most of the year, appears to be correlated with the "Oregon form" of western lily (see Plant description). The second type, mineral-based soils, which tend to be acidic, poorly drained, and exhibit either a shallow iron pan or clay pan that holds water seasonally, appears correlated with the "California form" of the species. Associated species that occur at nearly all western lily sites include Picea sitchensis, Malus fusca, Salix spp., Myrica californica, Gaultheria shallon, Spiraea douglasii, Vaccinium ovatum, Rubus spp., Lonicera involucrata, Calamagrostis nutkaensis, Carex obnupta, Gentiana sceptrum, Lotus formosissimus, Blechnum spicant, and Pteridium aquilinum. Common associates usually restricted to the northern portion of the species’ range (Del Norte County northward) include Pinus contorta ssp. contorta, Chamaecyparis lawsonia, Ledum glandulosum, Rhododendron occidentale, R. macrophyllum, Tofieldia glutinosa, Trientalis arctica, Sanguisorba officinalis, Sphagnum spp., and Viola palustris. Species more common in the southern portion of western lily’s range include Polystichum munitum, Holcus lanatus, and Anthoxanthum odoratum. Range Western lily is restricted within a narrow 4-mile- (6.4-kilometer-) wide band that spans about 200 miles (320 kilometers) along the Pacific coastline from Hauser, Coos County, Oregon to Loleta, Humboldt County, California. There are approximately 23 extant principle populations occurring within this limited region (as recognized by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), all of which are small (ranging from less than 0.1 acres to 10 acres), isolated, and densely clumped. Charles Powne iyou@me.com Portland, OR USDA zone 8b