Plants of the Lily

Lilium

• This genus is the namesake for the family, containing some of the more popular and renowned lilies. Included in this genus are over 80 different bulbs, including lilies such as the Madonna lily, the Easter Lily, day lily and the tiger lily. These lilies are well known for their strong fragrance and have long been associated with Easter, symbolizing purity and innocence.

Tulip

• Tulips are a member of the lily family, believed to have gotten their name from the Turkish word tulbend meaning turban. There are over 3,000 different types of tulips in a variety of colors, shapes and heights. Tulips grow up from bulbs and contain six petals. Tulips are classified based upon when they bloom, ranging from early flowering tulips to late flowering tulips such as fringed tulips.

Nodding Onion

• The nodding onion is a member of the lily family. It is a perennial which gives off a faint onion smell. This flower contains several flowers clustered together, with a long, slender stem. The nodding onion is a pale flower, most often pink or white in color. The nodding onion is edible and has historically been used in salads. This flower has also been used by Native Americans as a medicine, used in poultices for skin infections and to treat croup.

Wild Hyacinth

• The wild hyacinth is an early-blooming perennial of the lily family which grows from deeply planted, scaly bulbs. The flowers of the wild hyacinth are gathered in a cluster at the top of a long, slender stem. Wild hyacinths are also commonly known as bluebells, named for their bell-like shape and deep blue or violet color. The bulbs of wild hyacinths are edible and can be eaten cooked or raw.