The family is represented by about 280 genera and 4,000 species. Liliaceae are found from the driest deserts to wettest tropics. Herbs, shrubs, woody vines. Leaves alternate, whorled or all basal, simple, usually with sheathing bases, sometimes succulent or reduced to scales. Inflorescence of many kinds, often paniculate, racemose, umbellate or solitary.
Hypanthium sometimes present.
3-lobed, or stigma sessile. Fruit a capsule, berry or samara. The lily family is extraordinarily rich in ornamental species and some are grown as food crops. Genera of ornamentals incluse Lilium, Tulipa, Hemerocallis, Convallaria, Narcissus, Hyacinthus, Hosta, Amaryllis, Agapanthus and many others. The bulb was in fact the main carbohydrate source for the native peoples.