The Liliaceae family contains more than 240 genera and at least 3,000 species. Aloe is in the lily family, as is asparagus, hosta, liriope, trillium and greenbriar.

• All species of lilies belong to the genus Lilium, which consists of more than 100 species. White lily, Easter lily, tiger lily and calla lily are the most common or widely known species of lily.

• True lilies are perennial plants with narrow leaves growing along the length of the stems and large trumpet-shaped flowers with six petals that grow from scaly bulbs.

• Derived from the Greek word “leiron,” (generally assumed to refer to the white Madonna lily), the lily was so revered by the Greeks that they believed it sprouted from the milk of Hera, the queen of the gods.

• Some lilium bulbs are eaten as root vegetables. Certain species, often sold in dried form, are commonly consumed as a luxury or health food in China.

• Lily essential oil can be used as a moisturizer, massage oil and hot-oil treatment for hair.

• White lilies symbolize beauty and purity — this may be one of the reasons white lilies or calla lilies are popularly used for making bridal bouquets.

• White lilies are also typically used in funeral arrangements and are meant to symbolize that the soul of the departed has received restored innocence and purity after death.

• Lilies are found in almost all parts of the world and are one of the most common flowers found on the European continent.

• Nearly all white lilies are scented.

• Lilies have a very long vase life — up to two weeks. You should remove the excess pollen found in the flowers, using a toothbrush.

• In the Chinese language, the lily symbolizes “being forever in love.” It also stands for good luck in Chinese culture.

• Lilies have been used for medicinal purposes — mainly to treat toxicity and depression.

• Lilies are the May birthday flower.

• Lilies are also the 30th wedding anniversary flower, symbolizing humility and devotion.

• In the language of flowers, white Stargazer lilies express sympathy; pink Stargazer lilies symbolize wealth and prosperity; Peruvian lilies (alstroemeria) express friendship and devotion; and orange lilies represent passion.

• The Egyptians used lily flowers as a perfume and the scent of lilies often appears in popular fragrances today.

• Keep lilies away from cats and curious toddlers — if eaten, the flowers can cause kidney failure and, in some cases, death.

• The lily is the second most popular flower in the world (first being the rose).

• A Chinese proverb states, “When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one and a lily with the other.”