This is a species of mesic to subhydric woodland edges and thickets (perhaps especially on nitrogen-rich soils as in congeners). It is centered on Appalachian regions but extends into some adjacent regions, especially in northeastern states and adjacent Canada (K), However, it is curiously absent from much of the "Rugged Hills" in Ky. and W.Va., where there is relatively little evidence of openings maintained by browsing or burning before settlement. L. canadense has been recorded from scattered western sites in Ky., but some colls. are difficult to distinguish from michiganense or superbum (see notes under those species), and hybridization may be expected (FNA 26). All plants in Ky. may be referred to the relatively southern and western segregate, var. editorum Fern. However, that taxon has not been recognized in some recent treatments (FNA 26). Var. editorum has been distinguished (F, W; Adams 1981) by its orange to red flower color (versus yellow to orange), with relatively narrow tube and petals (8-13 mm wide versus 12-20 mm). Leaves tend to be elliptic to ovate, scarcely attenuate (versus broadly lanceolate, attenuate), the mid-stem ones with L/W ca. 2-5 (versus 5-10). As with other native species of Lilium, most shoots do not flower and become dormant in June to July, especially under tree canopies; thus populations are often overlooked. Bulbils, leaves and flowers of Lilium species can be eaten by mammalian herbivores, including humans (Moerman 1986). Medicinal uses are also well known; chemistry includes steroidal saponins, polysaccharides, phenolic glycerides, flavonoids and alkaloids (Zhou et al. 2021). However, mysterious nephrotoxicity can occur if cats ingest even small amounts (Fitzgerald 2010). Deer browse on shoots and can prevent cultivation. Pigs--domestic or feral--may have greatly reduced native lilies due to their digging and eating of bulbils. Chipmunks can feed avidly on bulbils, but may cache them with benefits for local dispersal (Fletcher et al. 2001).