Lilium philadelphicum

This gorgeous wildflower is called Wood Lily, or sometimes Prairie Lily.  It is a true lily, belonging to the Lilium genus, which is also the type genus for the Lily family (Liliaceae).  “Lilium” is Greek for “lily” and “philadelphicum” refers to the plant being discovered in Philadelphia.  Another explanation suggests that this refers to plant collections made by John Bartram, who is considered the “father of American botany” because he was the first botanist trained by Linnaeus to make extensive botanical forays in North America.