Lilium kesselringianum is a large herbaceous member of the lily family. It is native to North and South Caucasus as well as northern Turkey.[1] It grows from sea level along the Black Sea up into the mountains to subalpine level on forest edges, in brushlands, and in grassy meadows.[2] [3]
The plant grows to a height of 40 - 60 inches (1 - 1.5m), but has been recorded growing up to 80inches (2m).
It has an oval bulb of 3 - 4 inches (10 - 20 cm) diameter and covered in scales.
The leaves are lanceolate and 4 - 8 inches (10 - 20 cm) long and grow up the length of the stem.
5 - 10 nodding flowers are displayed in June on a raceme at the tip of the stem. (In Abkhazia the plants flower up to 3 weeks later) Bright to straw yellow, tubular to bell - shaped they are spotted inside, 2.5 - 3 inches (6 - 8 cm) in diameter and 4 - 6 inches (10 - 15 cm) long. The petals are turned back at the tips. The pollen is bright yellow to beige.[4]