Liliaceae

Non-woody (herbaceous) plants, usually with bulbs and contractile roots, flower parts divisible by 3, and alternate or whorled leaves that are simple and entire, have parallel veins, and may be on the stem or basal.

Flowers bisexual, usually symmetric in all directions (radially), conspicuous and often showy, large, sometimes solitary, on stalks or not, and at the end of the stem or its branches. Flower parts divisible by 3; 3 petal-like sepals and 3 petals that are all separate but overlapping, 6 separate stamens and 3 fused carpels –. Sepals and petals often with spots or lines. Ovary located above point where other flower parts are attached (superior). Nectar produced at the bases of the sepals and petals. Mostly bloom in the spring and early summer. Fruit usually a chambered capsule, occasionally a berry. Seeds usually flat and disk-shaped, seed coat not black.

Leaves alternate or whorled, simple with smooth edges and parallel veins. Stipules absent.