Family: Liliaceae

Lilium philippinense, commonly known as the Benguet lily or Philippine lily, is a species of lily native to the high-altitude regions of Taiwan and the northern Philippines, particularly in the Cordillera Mountains. It is well-known for its elegant, trumpet-shaped white flowers and is prized for its ornamental beauty.

While valued as an ornamental plant, Lilium philippinense has escaped from cultivation and naturalized in the southeastern United States and shares several traits with other invasive Lilium species. These include wind-dispersed seeds, and bulbs that allow it to persist in unfavorable conditions, which could allow it to invade and compete with other desirable vegetation. To date, it is reported to be cultivated, but not naturalized, or invasive, in the Hawaiian Islands.

High Risk Traits:

• Grows and can spread in high elevation regions with tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in the southeastern USA
  
• Other Lilium species are invasive
  
• Reported to be toxic to animals and potentially humans
  
• A geophyte, with bulbs able to persist in the soil from season to season
  
• Reproduces by seed
  
• Self-fertile
  
• Able to spread vegetatively from dispersal or fragmentation of bulbs
  
• Reaches maturity in under one year
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind and intentional cultivation
  
• Tolerates mechanical damage and can regrow from underground bulbs

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control