Canada Lilies are finally blooming here along the coast. They were very late here this year, as were many perennials.
These exotic wildflowers are native to much of New England and Canada. Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds love them as do an increasing number of gardeners who now can purchase them from plant nurseries. And, in days of yore, Native Americans loved to eat them.
Unfortunately, White-Tailed Deer also love to eat Canada Lilies. More worrisome, however, is the spread of the Scarlet Lily Beetle (Liliocens lilii), another lily leaf muncher. It’s a voracious non-native that was introduced into Canada from Europe or Asia in the 20th Century and is now attacking lilies throughout New England. Keep your fingers crossed. (Brooklin, Maine)