Definition

Noun: 1. A perennial plant (Lilium lancifolium, formerly Lilium tigrinum) native to East Asia, characterized by tall stems bearing numerous large, nodding flowers. The flowers are typically orange-red with prominent dark purple or black spots and have petals that curve strongly backward (are reflexed). 2. A common name for Lilium catesbaei, a lily native to the southeastern United States, which has cup-shaped flowers ranging in color from deep yellow to scarlet and also has recurved petals.

Usage Examples

• The tiger lily is a striking addition to any summer garden with its bold, spotted blooms.
• Along the woodland path, we saw a clump of the native American tiger lily in full flower.
• She planted tiger lilies at the back of the border because of their impressive height.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used in botanical and horticultural contexts to refer to these specific species. It is important to note the distinction between the more common East Asian species and the Southeastern U.S. species when discussing native plants or plant origins.
• In art and design, "tiger lily" often describes the specific pattern and vibrant orange color associated with the flower.

Variants and Related Words

• Lilium lancifolium: The current botanical (Latin) name for the common East Asian tiger lily.
• Lilium tigrinum: A former botanical name for the same plant.
• Lilium catesbaei: The botanical name for the Southeastern U.S. species also called tiger lily or sometimes "pine lily."
• Daylily (): A different genus of flowering plant often confused with true lilies like the tiger lily due to its common name.

Synonyms

• Leopard lily (a less common name for ).
• Pine lily (a name for ).

Related Phrases and Idioms

• While not a common idiom itself, the tiger lily is sometimes used symbolically in literature and poetry to represent wealth, pride, or confidence due to its vibrant and assertive appearance.

Noun

1. lily of southeastern United States having cup-shaped flowers with deep yellow to scarlet recurved petals
2. east Asian perennial having large reddish-orange black-spotted flowers with reflexed petals