Lilium monanthum
Lilium monanthumfam. Liliaceae
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Pl. C55C — Lilium monanthum
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IOverview
Overview
Lilium monanthum, known as the single lily or solitary lily, is a deciduous herbaceous plant in the Liliaceae family. Native to central and eastern Europe, including regions such as Albania, Austria, and Belarus, this lily thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5. The plant's edible root is its distinctive feature among its ornamental qualities. Known for both its culinary use and its beauty, L. monanthum features a single, fragrant flower atop each stem, making it a notable addition to gardens despite its limited flowering period.
Quick answers
What is Lilium monanthum?
Lilium monanthum, known as the single lily or solitary lily, is a deciduous herbaceous plant in the Liliaceae family. Native to central and eastern Europe, including regions such as Albania, Austria, and Belarus, this lily thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH between 7 and 7.
What is Lilium monanthum used for?
Traditionally used for immune support, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Lilium monanthum
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Lilium species have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support immune health, often prepared as a decoction. While specific for Lilium monanthum is limited, related species may offer similar benefits.
The mechanism by which Lilium supports the immune system is not fully characterised but may involve compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Lilium species are traditionally used in Chinese medicine to aid digestion, often prepared as a decoction. While specific for Lilium monanthum is limited, related species may offer similar digestive support.
The mechanism by which Lilium aids digestion is not fully characterised but may involve compounds with carminative and anti-inflammatory properties.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Lilium monanthum support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lilium monanthum thrives in moist, well-draining light to medium soil with a pH of 7-7.5. It prefers partial shade and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, divide the bulbs in early spring or autumn. The plant grows best in light (sandy) to medium soils. Harvest edible root parts when mature.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Habit
Forb/herb
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Lilium monanthum for the first time
8steps
Start with Skip by ensuring you have the right conditions and care, making it a simple project for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Skip bulbs or divisions, well-draining soil, a container or garden bed, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Skip in early spring or late summer to early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare soil with light sand for better drainage. Ensure containers have holes for proper aeration.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 4-6 inches deep, spacing them about 8-10 inches apart in the garden or container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water Skip regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light shade during hot days and mulch around bulbs for insulation. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Skip does not require harvesting but remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, and neglecting to provide light shade are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Lilium monanthum is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. Typically, it is prepared by digging up the root from well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 7-7.5) and then either consuming it fresh or incorporating it into various dishes after cooking.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe15 regions
native (15)AustriaBelarusBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwitzerlandUkraine
Asia2 regions
native (2)MongoliaTurkey
Broader regions
native:Yakutskiya, Altay, Buryatiya, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Tuva
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
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
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