It's bloom time for the tiger lilies. Growing up in New York state, tiger lilies could be found in ditches everywhere. To me, tiger lilies around a mailbox epitomize rusticity and "hominess".
What I know as tiger lilies are also known as ditch lilies in parts of the country.
There is much confusion about Tiger Lilies. An oriental variety is very similar. The major difference is that the oriental Tiger Lily propagates through a bulbs that forms at leaf axils. The common wildflower Tiger Lily is a profuse propagator by means of tuberous roots. Both varieties have edible roots and have been used for medicinal purposes. Source: http://www.gardenersnet.com/bulbs/tigerlily.htm
The oriental tiger lily seems to have more defined spots than the wildflower variety and not grow as tall or prolifically. I love that I can plant a few of the wildflower variety along a wall and within a few years they completely fill the space.
Aren't they just lovely?!?