The lily family Liliaceae is comprised of more than 250 genera and about 4,000 species of mostly herbaceous flowering plants, but the name lily is most frequently applied to the 80 - 100 species belonging to the genus Lilium. The most popular lilies, prized as ornamentals, are fragrant and grow showy flowers that have petals usually flecked with dark specks.

Most members of the lily family are herb-like and are characterized by bulbs, or enlarged underground storage organs, which give rise to fleshy stems and erect narrow grass-like leaves. Many also display beautiful, showy flowers. Several species within this large family are cultivated as food crops and include such staple culinary ingredients as onions, shallots, garlic, chives, and leeks. Additionally, the bulb of the Madonna Lily was cultivated as early as the second millennium, B.C., for use as a medicinal ointment in Asia Minor.

Revered for thousands of years as a symbol of purity, the lily's petals have been depicted on vases and artifacts as early as the time of the ancient Egyptian Middle Kingdom. Later, ancient Greek and Roman brides wore crowns of lilies to symbolize purity at their weddings, a tradition that continues today with lily-filled bridal bouquets.