Lilium candidum

Madonna lily

Lilium candidum, commonly known as the Madonna Lily, is a revered perennial celebrated for its fragrant, snowy-white blooms. Beyond its aesthetic elegance, this botanical treasure holds significant historical importance in traditional medicine, where its bulbous roots are utilized for their soothing properties and diverse therapeutic applications in herbal healing.

  • Scientific name: Lilium candidum
  • Family: Liliaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Liliales, it is a member of the family Liliaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Lillium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Liliales WCVP
Family Liliaceae WCVP
Genus Lilium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Lilium candidum, is referred to by several common names across different Chinese linguistic regions. In Simplified Chinese, it is known as 圣母百合 (zh-hans, zh-cn), while in Traditional Chinese, it is called 聖母百合 (zh-hant, zh-tw, zh-hk).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 圣母百合 Wikidata
zh-hant 聖母百合 Wikidata
zh-hk 聖母百合 Wikidata
zh-cn 圣母百合 Wikidata
zh-tw 聖母百合 Wikidata
pl lilia biała Wikidata
nah Caxtillān omixōchitl Wikidata
he שושן צחור Wikidata
hu fehér liliom Wikidata
de Madonnen-Lilie Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be noted within the borders of Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is found throughout Germany as well as the Czechia-Slovakia region. The plant also extends into Southwestern Europe, specifically inhabiting the island of Corse. Finally, its range continues through the mainland territory of France.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Southwestern Europe Corse WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Sardegna WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Lilium candidum, is characterized by its striking reproductive and storage structures. The most visually prominent features are the large, fragrant white flowers, which are composed of elegant, spreading petals that give the blossom its classic lily appearance. Beyond its ornamental beauty, the medicinal value of the species is often associated with its underground bulbs, which serve as the plant's primary nutrient storage organs and are frequently utilized in traditional herbal preparations.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
5
Plant Part Sources Confidence
bulbs 3 ★★☆☆☆
petals 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flower 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Lilium candidum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include citronellal, humulene, kaempferol, linalool.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
citronellal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
humulene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
kaempferol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
linalool 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Lilium candidum has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiviral.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Lilium candidum has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include burns, coughs, shingles, ulcers.

Total uses
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
burns 1 ★☆☆☆☆
coughs 1 ★☆☆☆☆
shingles 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ulcers 1 ★☆☆☆☆