Lillies

Lillies are ubiquitous, but how much do you know about them? They certainly are beautiful, most are fragrant, they support pollinators and are easy perennials, grown from bulbs. Some grow as tall as 6 to 8 feet and are called “tree lillies.” The Daylily is of a different plant family, yet the flowers are similar. They are called “daylillies” because they blossom for only one day.

Common lillies are: Oriental (among tallest), Asiatic, Martagon (if you want numerous blossoms), Trumpet/Aurelian, Tiger (grows wild all over the New York area, where I live) and Rubrum. The white “Easter Lily” we are so familiar with is a variety of the fragrant Trumpet Lily. Here are some little-known facts about the Easter Lily which adorns our altars every year as we celebrate Our Lord’s Resurrection…

1) There are no known hazards. 2) Can often be found on the coastline. 3) According to Plants For A Future, the bulb is edible and “can be used as a vegetable in similar ways to potatoes.” 4) Also according to PFAF, the bulb has been used to treat coughs, insomnia and other ailments. 5) A fragrant essential oil can be extracted from the flowers.