crossword clue type of lily – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving the trickiest crossword clues. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and detailed explanations for the clue "crossword clue type of lily," helping you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue type of lily" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CALLA: A popular ornamental lily, often seen in bouquets, though botanically not a true lily.
TIGER: A distinctive lily known for its spotted petals, giving it a tiger-like appearance.
6 Letters
EASTER: A common white lily, often associated with the spring holiday, specifically the Lilium longiflorum species.
7 Letters
DAYLILY: A common garden plant of the genus Hemerocallis, widely referred to as a lily despite not being a true lily (genus Lilium).
9 Letters
WATERLILY: An aquatic plant with large floating leaves and showy flowers, a well-known type of lily that grows in water.
More About "crossword clue type of lily"
The clue "type of lily" can sometimes be more complex than it appears, as the term "lily" is used broadly in common language to describe many different flowering plants. While true lilies belong to the genus Lilium, numerous other popular garden and ornamental plants, such as Calla lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica), Daylilies (Hemerocallis), and Waterlilies (Nymphaeaceae), are widely known and referred to as lilies. This botanical ambiguity is often exploited in crossword puzzles, requiring solvers to think beyond just the scientific classification.
When encountering this clue, consider the context of the puzzle. Does it suggest an aquatic plant? A specific color? Or perhaps a cultural association, like the Easter lily? Crossword constructors love to play on common knowledge versus strict botanical definitions, so familiarizing yourself with these popular "lily" varieties will significantly boost your success rate.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like "type of lily," look for any adjectives or qualifying phrases. "Aquatic type of lily" immediately points to WATERLILY, while "spotted type of lily" might lead to TIGER.
- Check Letter Count: Always use the given letter count to narrow down your options first. This is the most fundamental step in crossword solving.
- Use Intersecting Letters: The letters revealed by solved intersecting clues are your best friends. They can eliminate many possibilities and confirm the correct answer quickly.
- Think Beyond True Definitions: Many crossword clues, especially those related to nature, use common parlance rather than strict scientific definitions. Be open to answers that are "lilies" in popular culture, even if not botanically.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a "type of lily" clue challenging in crosswords?
The challenge with 'type of lily' clues often arises because many plants are colloquially called lilies (like Calla lilies or Daylilies) but are not true lilies botanically. This broad definition can lead to a diverse range of potential answers, requiring solvers to consider both true lilies (genus Lilium) and commonly perceived lily types.
Are there common abbreviations for lily types used in crosswords?
Typically, 'type of lily' clues in crosswords look for full names of specific lily varieties or lily-like plants rather than abbreviations. However, it's always good to be aware of common names like 'DAYLILY' or 'WATERLILY' which are widely recognized.
How can I narrow down 'lily' clues when solving a puzzle?
To narrow down 'lily' clues, first check the number of letters required for the answer. Then, use intersecting letters from other clues to eliminate possibilities. Also, pay close attention to any additional descriptive words in the clue, such as 'aquatic lily' (suggesting WATERLILY) or 'spotted lily' (suggesting TIGER).