PP=eegry ~ 
URE 
* * * & 
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Washington, D. C. Vv May, 1925 
THE MADONNA LILY 
By Davin GrirrirHs, Horticulturist, Office of Horticultural Investigations, 
Bureau of Plant Industry 
CONTENTS 
Page Page 
LESSEE Re ee ME RE OAS ac Soe a ae 1 eh ean ulbSeatter Soren ga] eee 12 
Ware ties 2152-s3 ii ds fat tia ee ee © 22 | COMIMICLGIDL (SIZES 2 tes es hae ies 12 
Sources of planting stocks________~_ eieackine andy shipping 2 ae 115% 
IPLOpasatioues =e eae Eee eee Qo eer Splat es CaS ver) gee e eee 13 
Making a seed ecrop__—____________ 7 | Methods of culture applicable to the 
PG 8 GS fa is ag rig oe icp er en Eee 8 Nankeen: ililiy2 <2 Se gs 13 
Soils that heave should be avoided__ 8 | Advantages of home production__~_ 13 
JEY RIT ic ae ee ee SS pee ee. hee a eee ae os eel OPAC Cpe se See ea eee ee 13 
CHV a tOnS ol SAE eeen One Ras as, he 10 PeGrowine under class=) Se 15 
oT a ee PE PA EE EIS 10 | The Madonna lily in the garden____ 15 
Handine the pulbs. 2 a 1OF | MGaATGen associa tiOls ae ee 16 
Where the lily may be grown_______ 19 Present) consumption 75 eee 16 
Climatic advantages______________ fa ES aim aryl Ls ee eee ed ee Ee eee LT 
HISTORY 
The Madonna lily is one of the oldest lilies in cultivation. It has 
been well recognized and its praises have been sung since the begin- 
ning of modern history. Since early in the Christian era it has 
figured in the annals of the church, and until 40 or 50 years ago it 
was the characteristic Easter flower, accepted and utilized as an 
emblem of purity. On account of its associations it’ is variously 
referred to as the Annunciation lily, St. Joseph’s lily, Lent lily, 
Madonna lily, ete. The Swedish botanist Linneus called it Laliwm 
candidum, recognizing in the specific name its purity of color. It 
is native mainly of south-central Europe, whence it has traveled 
with man through all temperate climates. 
Having been in cultivation so long the characteristics of the 
Madonna lily are. well known, and there is a greater store of infor- 
mation about it in literature possibly than about any other lily, but 
since facts must be passed on from one to another and it is necessary 
for each generation to learn anew it is desirable to bring together here 
some of these data, as well as some not before printed, that it may be 
available to the prospective producer of bulbs in this country. 
30122°—25——1 
