Corn lily

The term "corn lily" is a common name applied to several different plant species, often those with lily-like flowers that are found growing in fields (cornfields in historical usage referring to grain fields generally) or areas disturbed by agriculture. The usage of the name is often regional and can lead to confusion, as it doesn't always refer to closely related plants.

One of the most frequently referenced plants as "corn lily" is a species within the genus Ipheion, specifically Ipheion uniflorum, also known as springstar. While not a true lily (family Liliaceae), it produces small, star-shaped flowers that resemble lilies.

Another plant sometimes called "corn lily" is Ornithogalum umbellatum, commonly known as Star-of-Bethlehem. This plant also has white, star-shaped flowers and can be found in grassy areas and fields. It is a member of the Asparagaceae family.

Due to the ambiguity of the term, it is always best to use scientific names (e.g., Ipheion uniflorum, Ornithogalum umbellatum) when referring to a specific plant, especially in botanical or horticultural contexts, to avoid misunderstanding. The term "corn lily" should be regarded as a vernacular name of limited precision.