Formosa Lily
Lilium formosanum priceifam. Liliaceae
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Pl. 4735 — Lilium formosanum pricei
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IOverview
Overview
Lilium formosanum pricei, a member of the Liliaceae family and native to Taiwan, is an ornamental plant known for its edible roots. This light-loving species thrives in moist, well-drained soils that are typically sandy or medium in texture. It can tolerate partial sun to full sun exposure and grows best in hardiness zones 4-8. Standing at a modest height of about 0.1 meters, this forb/herb is recognized for its culinary uses, with roots being the edible part harvested from the plant. Additionally, it has documented medicinal applications, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes alike.
Quick answers
What is Formosa Lily?
Lilium formosanum pricei, a member of the Liliaceae family and native to Taiwan, is an ornamental plant known for its edible roots. This light-loving species thrives in moist, well-drained soils that are typically sandy or medium in texture.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Gentle Digest
digestiontincture
Historically used for digestive support.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lilium formosanum pricei thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-8. The plant grows to a height of about 0.1 meters and can be propagated through root division. Edible parts include the roots, which are best harvested after the plant has matured.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Formosa Lily for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple Formosa Lily planting to gain experience in caring for lilies.
- 1
What you'll need
A few Formosa Lily bulbs, well-draining soil, and a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant the bulbs in late summer or early fall for spring blooms.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy) to medium with good drainage. Amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 5-10 cm deep, spacing them about 20 cm apart in a sunny spot.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the newly planted bulbs thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade and keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
After flowering, deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Remove yellowed leaves in late fall.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Lilium formosanum pricei is edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, it is prepared by digging up the bulbous roots and either eating them fresh or incorporating them into dishes after boiling or steaming.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 15 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 15 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 1 native· 15 introduced
Asia2 regions
native (1)Taiwan
introduced (1)Japan
Africa3 regions
introduced (3)KenyaTanzaniaZimbabwe
Broader regions
introduced:Brazil Southeast, Cape Provinces, Florida, KwaZulu-Natal, Louisiana, New South Wales, New Zealand North, Norfolk Is., Northern Provinces, Victoria, Zaïre
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Liliaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Liliaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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