Madonna Lily

Lilium candidum

Physical Characteristics

Lilium candidum is a BULB growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf from October to July, in flower in July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S.W. Asia. Naturalized in Europe around the Mediterranean.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Bulb - cooked. The raw bulb contains an acrid principle, but this is destroyed by drying or thorough heating[4]. When cooked the bulb is pulpy, sweet and sugary[4]. Rich in starch, it can be used as a vegetable in similar ways to potatoes (Solanum tuberosum).

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Demulcent Emmenagogue Emollient Epilepsy Expectorant The Madonna lily has a long history of herbal use, though it is seldom employed in modern herbalism because of its scarcity[238]. The bulb and the flowers are astringent, highly demulcent, emmenagogue, emollient and expectorant[4, 7, 238]. The plant is mainly used externally, being applied as a poultice to tumours, ulcers, external inflammations etc[4, 238]. The bulb is harvested in August and can be used fresh or dried[4, 238]. The flowers are harvested when fully open and used fresh for making juice, ointments or tinctures[238]. The pollen has been used in the treatment of epilepsy[240].

Known Hazards

None known