The Washington lily is named after Martha Washington and not after the state of Washington.

The northern edge of the range of the plant is near Mount Hood in Oregon. It does not naturally occur in the state of Washington. It only naturally grows in the states of California and Oregon.

The leaves almost clasp the stem. They arey oval with pointed tip, 2–5 in. long, and more or less wavy.

The flowers (the Inflorescence) are very fragrant.