Lily-of-the-field (Sternbergia lutea, Syst. Veg. 2: 57 (1825))

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Author: (L.) Ker Gawl. ex Spreng.

Bibliography: Syst. Veg. 2: 57 (1825)

Year: 1825

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sternbergia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Spain to W. & C. Asia

Description

Lily-of-the-field, scientifically known as Sternbergia lutea, is a captivating bulbous plant that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. Identified and meticulously categorized in the early 19th century, this remarkable species holds a place in botanical literature, as referenced in “Syst. Veg. 2: 57” from the year 1825, with its classification attributed to botanical authorship of (L.) Ker Gawl. ex Spreng.

This enchanting plant is native to a broad geographical range extending from Spain through Western and Central Asia. The Lily-of-the-field is often celebrated for its vibrant, golden-yellow flowers that herald the arrival of autumn. The flowers possess a distinct, chalice-like shape, strikingly standing out against the greenery of its foliage. This perennial is admired not only for its beauty but also for its hardiness and ability to thrive in diverse climatic conditions within its native range.

Typically flowering in the fall, Sternbergia lutea adds a splash of color to gardens and natural landscapes when many other plants begin to retreat in preparation for winter. The plant’s foliage appears as long, narrow leaves that emerge either before or simultaneously with its cheerful blooms, creating an appealing contrast that enhances its ornamental value.

Cultivation of the Lily-of-the-field is relatively straightforward, making it a popular choice among gardeners and horticultural enthusiasts. It requires well-drained soil and a sunny location to flourish fully. Due to its native habitat’s climatic conditions, it is well-suited to regions with similar Mediterranean-type climates but can adapt to a range of environments with proper care.

In summary, Sternbergia lutea, or Lily-of-the-field, is a resilient and visually striking plant that continues to charm those who cultivate and encounter it. Its historical documentation and widespread distribution from Spain to Western and Central Asia underscore its enduring presence and significance in both natural and cultivated landscapes.

Common Names

Heb: helmonit tzehuba, חלמונית צהובה
Fra: vendangeuse, vendangeuse jaune
Eng: winter daffodil, lily-of-the-field, winter-daffodil, common sternbergia
Cym: sternbergia cyffredin
En: Lily-of-the-field, Winter-daffodil, Winter daffodil, Lily of the Field, Common Sternbergia
Ca: Narcís de tardor, Còlquic groc
Hr: Žuta lužarka
Cs: Lužanka žlutá
Fr: Vendangeuse, Vendangeuse jaune, Stenbergie jaune
De: Herbst-Goldbecher
El: Στερνμπέργκια η κίτρινη
He: Helmonit tzehuba, חלמונית צהובה
Hu: Őszi vetővirág
It: Zafferanastro giallo
Fa: جام زرین پائیزه
Ru: Штернбергия жёлтая
Es: Azafrán dorado
Cy: Sternbergia cyffredin

Synonyms

• Amaryllis lutea (L.)
• Oporanthus luteus ((L.) Herb.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Baleares (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Algeria (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Lucy on the Earth (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2019 by Cinzia Mosci (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2021 by vera franc (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Lucy on the Earth (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2017 by Roberto Toffoli (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Christine QUENAON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2020 by Manū (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 6, 2022 by Adrian Domínguez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2021 by André Helfer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2020 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2022 by Κωνσταντίνα Γαστεράτου (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 28, 2021 by Nikitas-Apollon Panagiotopoulos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Sep 19, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 7, 2022 by Didier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2020 by Cécile Bourdeu d’Aguerre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2021 by Guru Heilpflanzen (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60471738-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5326791)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sternbergia lutea (L.) Ker Gawl. ex Spreng.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘sep’, ‘oct’]

Soil nutriments: 5