On the mountain slopes near Damash in Iran’s Gilan Province, a rare wild lily appears for a short period in early summer. Known locally as Sousan-e Chehel Cheragh, Lilium ledebourii is prized for its elegant, hanging flowers and its association with the region’s protected natural landscape.
Contents
Where does Sousan-e Chehel Cheragh grow?
The species is native to northern Iran and the southern Caucasus, according to Kew’s Plants of the World Online. Damash, in the mountainous Amarlu area of Gilan, is among its best-known Iranian habitats. The local population is protected, and visitors should treat the flowering site as a sensitive natural area.
When is the best time to see the flowers?
Flowering is generally associated with June and July, but the exact dates vary with weather and elevation. A June 2022 report from iFilm documented the flower in Damash. Check the season locally before making a special trip; blooms may last only a short time.
What does Lilium ledebourii look like?
Its flowers hang from tall stems, with recurved pale petals, delicate markings and conspicuous stamens. The photographs below show how the blooms look at different stages, from tightly curved buds to fully open flowers.
Photographs of the rare lily
How to visit responsibly
Stay on established paths, keep a respectful distance from the plants and never pick flowers or dig up bulbs. Avoid trampling nearby vegetation while taking photographs. For more of Gilan’s natural landscapes, explore our Anzali Wetland guide.
