Could this be Lilium columbianum? Native to western North America and commonly cultivated in local collector's gardens.
I've checked both the Illustrated Flora of BC and Phillips and Rix Bulbs - they both describe Lilium columbianum as usually having whorled leaves. That being said, there are far more sets of whorls on Lilium columbianum than you describe on yours (usually 7 to 9). David Tarrant suggested that this is almost certainly a Lilium martagon cross or selection. Horticulturally, these are known as Group II lilies (if you are looking for them in a reference work). Unfortunately, all the yellow-flowered group II lilies I've so far been able to track down are either too yellow or too tall ('Mrs. R.O. Backhouse', 'Marhan', 'Jacques S. Didt').
Thank you for your reply, Daniel. After talking to Douglas Justice this morning and doing some research, I had already come to the conclusion I was wrong regarding my L. columbianum statement. I would have replied sooner, but I was too busy wiping the egg off my face! My wife and I obtained what we thought was L. columbianum from a reputable ACG of BC member in 1997. It is now clear this plant was mislabeled (another one, seems you can't trust anybody; my mistake taking the label for granted). I also suspected it might be a L. martagon or L. pardalinum hybrid, but I could not find a reference to a yellow flowered selection of either of these two species. It just might be L. canadense?
Lily identification This yellow-flowered lily appears to be Lilium hansonii, which is related to, and has been crossed with L. martagon. Jim Ault
