What is the scientific name of the Easter lily?

The scientific name of the Easter lily is Lilium longiflorum. It is a true lily in the genus Lilium, known for its fragrant, trumpet-shaped white flowers and strong association with Easter celebrations.

Lilium longiflorum is native to Taiwan and Japan’s Ryukyu Islands. Plants generally grow between 50 centimeters and 1 meter tall, producing white, outward-facing flowers during their natural spring flowering season. The name Easter lily reflects Christian symbolism connecting the white flower with purity and the resurrection celebrated at Easter.

Commercial growers can manipulate the plant’s flowering schedule, allowing bulbs to bloom around Easter even though natural flowering is not restricted to that holiday. A variety known as Lilium longiflorum var. eximium, often called the Bermuda lily, has been especially important in cut-flower production.

The Easter lily is sometimes confused with other white lilies, including Lilium candidum. It is also important to note that true lilies are highly toxic to cats; even small amounts of plant material can cause severe kidney damage. The canonical species name remains Lilium longiflorum.