Madonna Lily (Lilium candidum)

Family: Liliaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet and sugary. — The raw bulb contains an acrid principle, but this is destroyed by drying or thorough heating.; When cooked the bulb is pulpy, sweet and sugary.; Rich in starch, it can be used as a vegetable in similar ways to potatoes (Solanum tuberosum).

Habitat & North American Range

Rocky slopes and in scrub to 600 metres. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)