Leopard Lily Seeds
Leopard Lily, also known as
Glycorrhiza glabra, Iris domestica, Freckle Face, Blackberry lily, and Leopard flower, is native to northern India, northern Vietnam, eastern China, and Korea to southern Japan.
The
Leopard Lily is used in East Asia to treat throat troubles, asthma, swollen liver and spleen, gonorrhea, malaria, and arrow poisoning. The
Leopard Lily is a flowering perennial of Chinese origin and is locally used for its medicinal values. Currently, studies are underway to investigate its apparent potential against prostate cancer.
Leopard Lily is often found blanketing hill sides. The
Leopard Lily flowers can range from red to yellow to orange or mixed and bloom in summer to early autumn. The leaves grow in a fan, like those of a gladiolus. The seed pods open in the fall, showing clusters of black seeds whose fancied resemblance to a blackberry gives the plant its common name,
"blackberry lily."
Traditionally, the Karuk baked the
Leopard Lily bulbs in an earth oven. The Sierra Miwok wore the
Leopard Lily's flowers as wreaths. The bulbs are also eaten by small and large mammals.
Plant seed 1/4" deep in 65 to 75 degree soil. Germination in 7-14 days, thin plants 8 - 12" apart. Prefers full sun and average moisture. Sow seed in garden after danger of frost or can be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting outside. Can also be sown outside, up to 2 months before the last fall frost.
The root of the
Leopard Lily is potentially toxic.
WATERING TIPS. During germination, keep entire seedbed evenly moist. Keep well-watered through maturity, allowing soil surface to dry between waterings.
