Definition

Noun A Clinton's lily is any temperate liliaceous plant belonging to the genus Clintonia. These plants are characterized by having broad basal leaves and clusters of white, yellowish, or purplish flowers. The flowers are followed by distinctive blue or black berries.

Examples

• The forest floor was dotted with the white blooms of Clinton's lily.
• Botanists study the various species of Clinton's lily found across North America and Asia.
• After the flowers fade, the Clinton's lily produces attractive dark berries.

Advanced Usage

• The genus name , from which the common name Clinton's lily is derived, honors De Witt Clinton, a former governor of New York.
• While called a "lily," a Clinton's lily is not a true lily (genus ) but belongs to the Lily family (Liliaceae).

Variants and Related Words

• Clintonia (n): The scientific genus name; often used interchangeably with the common name Clinton's lily.
  • Several species of Clintonia are native to this region.
• Bluebead lily (n): A common name for one specific species, , a type of Clinton's lily known for its blue berries.
• Corn lily (n): Another common name sometimes used for plants in the genus.

Synonyms

• Clintonia (n)

Noun

1. any temperate liliaceous plant of the genus Clintonia having broad basal leaves and white or yellowish or purplish flowers followed by blue or black berries