Typical philadelphicum has a largely Appalachian and northeastern range. In Ky. verified records are restricted to the Appalachian Cliff Section, especially along roads on ridges. The species is a rare remnant of grassy open pine-oak woods, probably maintained by fire in the past. It has disappeared within recent decades from several localities including the whole Red River Gorge area (D. Dourson, pers. comm.). Reports from the Mammoth Cave area (EDMO) are based on misidentified michiganense (at the National Park's herbarium). Flowers are distinctly erect, with clawed tepals; in Ky. they appear earlier than other Lilium species, mostly during late May to Jun (versus late Jun to Aug); plants are only 0.2-1.2 m tall. The distinct western segregate, var. andinum (Nutt.) Ker-Gawl., is less robust, with narrower leaves, fewer whorls, and relatively elongated capsules. Var. andinum can be expected in northeastern counties of Ky., since it is known in se. Ohio and it was reported from Ky. by F. However, the basis for identification of andinum needs clarification; capsule length itself cannot be relied on as a key character (FNA 26, W).