Bob Rutemoeller recently photographed a beautiful Leopard lily, Lilium pardalinum. They are also called Tiger lilies.

You can see in Bob's photo that there is a bud in the background. This tall lily puts out multiple blooms. I have some growing near our place in Anchor Bay. They can grow several feet high. Never pick the flowers, though! They need to develop seeds in the flower head so they will grow again next year.

In my book, Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year, I have a fun fact about this native wildflower: It you smell a Tiger Lily, you are sure to get freckles.

Thanks to Bob for allowing me to share his photo with you here.