variety of lily crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "variety of lily crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. Explore the solutions below for this common botanical clue.
Solutions for "variety of lily crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DAY: Short for Daylily, a very popular garden plant often used in crossword puzzles.
5 Letters
TIGER: A common and recognizable lily known for its distinctive spotted petals, resembling a tiger's stripes.
CALLA: While botanically not a true lily, it is widely known and referred to as a "Calla Lily" and frequently appears in crossword clues.
7 Letters
ASIATIC: Refers to a popular group of hybrid lilies that are relatively easy to grow and come in a wide range of vibrant colors.
8 Letters
ORIENTAL: A highly prized group of hybrid lilies, often noted for their large, fragrant, and sometimes heavily ruffled flowers.
More About "variety of lily crossword clue"
Lilies are a diverse and beautiful group of flowering plants, belonging to the genus Lilium. They are renowned for their striking, often trumpet-shaped or bowl-shaped flowers and can range widely in size, color, and fragrance. Beyond the true lilies, many other plants are commonly referred to as "lilies" due to their similar appearance or cultural significance, such as Daylilies and Calla Lilies. This broader usage often makes them fertile ground for crossword clues.
When you encounter a clue like "variety of lily," crossword setters might be hinting at specific botanical classifications like Asiatic or Oriental hybrids, or more common descriptive names like Tiger Lily. Sometimes, they might even refer to plants that aren't botanically true lilies but are colloquially known as such, playing on common knowledge rather than strict botanical accuracy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think broadly: Remember that "lily" in a crossword might refer to botanically true lilies (like Asiatic or Oriental) or plants commonly called lilies but are not (like Daylily or Calla).
- Consider common characteristics: Does the clue hint at a specific color, pattern, or origin? "Spotted lily" could point to TIGER, for example.
- Look at letter count: Shorter answers like DAY or CALLA are popular for their brevity, while longer answers like ORIENTAL provide more specific detail.
- Use context: Always use surrounding solved letters to narrow down possibilities. Sometimes, a common variety will fit perfectly once you have a few letters in place.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a 'true' lily and a Daylily?
True lilies (genus Lilium) grow from bulbs and typically have a single blooming period each year, with flowers lasting several days. Daylilies (genus Hemerocallis) grow from fleshy roots, and while the plant blooms for a season, each individual flower only lasts for a single day. Crossword clues often use 'DAY' as a short answer for Daylily.
Are Calla Lilies true lilies?
No, despite their common name, Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica) are not true lilies. They belong to the Araceae family, which is distinct from the Liliaceae family where true lilies are found. However, their elegant appearance leads to their popular name and frequent inclusion in crossword puzzles.
How can I identify a lily variety in a crossword clue?
To identify a lily variety, look for context clues within the puzzle. This might include the number of letters, adjectives describing the lily (e.g., 'spotted', 'fragrant'), or a hint towards its origin (e.g., 'Asian'). Common answers like TIGER, DAY, or ASIATIC are good starting points, and checking the provided letters will often confirm the correct answer.