lesser Turk's-cap lily
Lilium pomponium L.
Lilium pomponium L., known as lesser Turk's-cap lily, is a European lily species native to France, Spain, and Italy. It was first described in 1753 and belongs to the Liliaceae family. The species has undergone taxonomic revisions, with some former varieties, such as Lilium pomponium var. carniolicum, now recognized as distinct species like Lilium carniolicum. Similarly, Lilium pomponium subsp. pyrenaicum has been elevated to species status as Lilium pyrenaicum. Linnaeus' original concept of the species encompassed multiple taxa, as noted by Woodcock & Stearn.
Description
Lilium pomponium is a lily species native to parts of southern Europe, including France, Spain, and Italy. It is characterized by its showy, turban-shaped flowers. The species was originally described by Linnaeus in 1753 and has since been subject to taxonomic reclassification. Varieties once grouped under Lilium pomponium, such as Lilium pomponium var. carniolicum and Lilium pomponium subsp. pyrenaicum, are now treated as separate species—Lilium carniolicum and Lilium pyrenaicum, respectively. This reflects a broader understanding of the diversity within the group. Linnaean concepts of the species were broad, including multiple distinct forms, as discussed in botanical literature.
Other common names
minor Turk's-cap lilylesser Turk's-cap lilypompon lilyturban lilylittle Turk's-cap lily
Distribution
Global · France · Italy
Synonyms
Lilium rubrumLilium pomponicumLilium angustifoliumLilium rubrum var. pomponium
