My absolute favorite flower is the tiger lily, which is native to North America. Its vibrant orange hues, spotty patterns, and elegant droop unfortunately does not last nearly as long as I’d like it to—fading into grasses by the end of the summer—but while it’s here, it’s one of the most gorgeous sights of the season.

As lovely as the flower is alive, it’s also useful dead; Native Americans used the flower as a food source, and dried tiger lilies are sold worldwide as a sweet and sour treat. They grow well in full sunlight, making them perfect for gardens without shady areas to protect other vulnerable plants.