Lily vs. Lotus — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 24, 2023
Lily is a flowering plant from the Liliaceae family, often found on land or in water, while lotus belongs to the Nelumbo genus and typically grows in water, symbolizing purity in various cultures.
Difference Between Lily and Lotus
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lily and lotus, though both are flowering plants, have distinct characteristics and symbolic meanings. A lily is a perennial plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. It showcases a variety of colors and can be found in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Lotus, conversely, is specifically associated with the Nelumbo genus and is typically an aquatic plant that grows in ponds and lakes.
While lilies are often recognized for their trumpet-shaped flowers, lotuses are known for their rounded leaves and unique flowers that sit above water. In various cultures, the lily is seen as a symbol of purity, renewal, or transience. The lotus, especially in Asian cultures, holds spiritual significance and symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and rebirth.
One noticeable distinction between the lily and the lotus is their habitat. Although there are aquatic lilies like the water lily, many lilies are terrestrial. Lotuses, however, are exclusively aquatic, with their roots in the mud of ponds or rivers. It's this growth, from the murky depths to a beautiful bloom, that gives the lotus its symbolic meaning of rising above challenges.
Additionally, while lilies are common in various parts of the world, lotuses hold a more prominent place in Eastern cultures. From religious scriptures to art and literature, the lotus often has profound symbolic interpretations, such as association with deities or spiritual awakening.
Comparison Chart
Family/Genus
Liliaceae family.
Nelumbo genus.
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Habitat
Both aquatic and terrestrial.
Primarily aquatic.
Symbolism
Purity, renewal, transience.
Purity, enlightenment, rebirth.
Growth
Grows in various conditions; soil, ponds.
Grows in muddy waters of ponds and lakes.
Cultural Significance
Recognized globally, varying significance.
Highly significant in Eastern cultures, religious contexts.
Compare with Definitions
Lily
Recognized for its trumpet-shaped flowers.
The lily's vibrant petals spread out like a trumpet.
Lotus
A flower that grows in the mud but remains unstained.
The lotus's ability to rise from the mud symbolizes overcoming challenges.
Lily
A flowering plant from the Liliaceae family.
The lily bloomed beautifully in her garden.
Lotus
A symbol of enlightenment and purity in various cultures.
In her meditation space, she had a painting of a lotus to represent spiritual awakening.
Lily
A symbol of purity or renewal.
She wore a lily on her wedding day to signify purity.
Lotus
An aquatic plant from the Nelumbo genus.
The pond was covered in pink and white lotus blooms.
Lily
A plant with a bulbous base.
After the flowering season, the lily's bulb remained intact underground.
Lotus
Highly significant in Eastern religious contexts.
The deity in the temple held a lotus in its hand.
Lily
A bulbous plant with large trumpet-shaped, typically fragrant, flowers on a tall, slender stem.
Lotus
Either of two aquatic plants, Nelumbo nucifera of Asia and Australia with pink flowers, or N. lutea of eastern North America with pale yellow flowers, or their cultivated varieties, having large round leaves, fragrant many-petaled flowers, a round perforated seedpod, and fleshy rhizomes.
Lily
A heraldic fleur-de-lis.
Lotus
The edible seed, leaf, or rhizome of either of these plants.
Lily
Any of various plants of the genus Lilium, having variously colored, often trumpet-shaped flowers.
Lotus
Any of several water lilies, especially Nymphaea caerula or N. lotus.
Lily
Any of various similar or related plants, such as the daylily or the water lily.
Lotus
An artistic representation of the flower or bud of any of various lotuses or similar plants.
Lily
The flower of any of these plants.
Lotus
Any of several leguminous plants of the genus Lotus.
Lily
Any of several flowers in the genus Lilium of the family Liliaceae, which includes a great many ornamental species.
Lotus
A small Mediterranean tree or shrub whose fruit was eaten by the lotus-eaters.
Lily
Any of several species of herbaceous flower which may or may not resemble the genus Lilium in some way, and which are not closely related to it or each other.
Lotus
The fruit of this plant.
Lily
(heraldry) The flower used as a heraldic charge; also commonly used to describe the fleur-de-lis.
Lotus
A kind of aquatic plant, genus Nelumbo in the family Nelumbonaceae.
Lily
The end of a compass needle that should point north, traditionally often ornamented with the figure of a lily or fleur-de-lis.
Lotus
A water lily, genus Nymphaea, especially those of Egypt or India.
Lily
A royal spade in auction bridge.
Lotus
A legendary plant eaten by the Lotophagi of the Odyssey that caused drowsiness and euphoria.
Lily
(cartomancy) The thirtieth Lenormand card, representing calmness and maturity.
Lotus
A number of other plants bearing lotus in their scientific or common names (see Derived terms below).
Lily
White (as a racial epithet).
Lotus
Diospyros lotus, date plum or Caucasian persimmon.
Lily
A plant and flower of the genus Lilium, endogenous bulbous plants, having a regular perianth of six colored pieces, six stamens, and a superior three-celled ovary.
Lotus
Lotus, a terrestrial genus with small flowers that includes bird's-foot trefoils and deervetches.
Lily
A name given to handsome flowering plants of several genera, having some resemblance in color or form to a true lily, as Pancratium, Crinum, Amaryllis, Nerine, etc.
Lotus
Ziziphus lotus, a shrub species with edible fruit.
Lily
That end of a compass needle which should point to the north; - so called as often ornamented with the figure of a lily or fleur-de-lis.
But sailing further, it veers its lily to the west.
Lotus
An architectural motif of ancient Egyptian temples.
Lily
A royal spade; - usually in pl. See Royal spade, below.
Lotus
A name of several kinds of water lilies; as Nelumbium speciosum, used in religious ceremonies, anciently in Egypt, and to this day in Asia; Nelumbium luteum, the American lotus; and Nymphæa Lotus and Nymphæa cærulea, the respectively white-flowered and blue-flowered lotus of modern Egypt, which, with Nelumbium speciosum, are figured on its ancient monuments.
Lily
Any liliaceous plant of the genus Lilium having showy pendulous flowers
Lotus
An ornament much used in Egyptian architecture, generally asserted to have been suggested by the Egyptian water lily.
Lily
A plant that can grow both in water and on land.
The pond was adorned with both water lilies and terrestrial lilies.
Lotus
Native to eastern Asia; widely cultivated for its large pink or white flowers
Lotus
Annual or perennial herbs or subshrubs
Lotus
White Egyptian lotus: water lily of Egypt to southeastern Africa; held sacred by the Egyptians
Lotus
Known for its rounded leaves and flowers that sit above water.
The lotus leaves floated effortlessly on the water's surface.
Common Curiosities
Why is the lotus symbolic in Eastern cultures?
The lotus represents purity, enlightenment, and rebirth in many Eastern traditions.
What is a lily?
A lily is a flowering plant from the Liliaceae family, found both on land and in water.
Can lilies grow in water?
Yes, certain types like water lilies can grow in aquatic environments.
Why is the lotus often associated with spirituality?
The lotus's growth, from muddy depths to a bloom, symbolizes spiritual emergence or enlightenment.
Are there blue lotuses?
Yes, the blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) is often associated with ancient Egypt and has symbolic meanings.
How does a lotus differ from a lily?
A lotus is an aquatic plant from the Nelumbo genus, while a lily can be both aquatic and terrestrial.
Do lilies and lotuses have similar flowers?
While both are beautiful, lilies are known for their trumpet shape, while lotuses have distinct flowers that sit above water.
Can a lily be a symbol?
Yes, lilies often symbolize purity, renewal, or transience.
Are water lilies and lilies the same?
No, water lilies belong to a different family (Nymphaeaceae) and are aquatic.
Can I grow a lily in my garden soil?
Yes, many lilies are terrestrial and thrive in garden soil.
Which is more fragrant, a lily or a lotus?
Both can be fragrant, but it varies by species; some lilies are especially known for their strong scent.
Are lotuses always found in water?
Yes, lotuses are aquatic plants growing in ponds, lakes, or rivers.
Is the lotus edible?
Yes, various parts of the lotus plant, like seeds and roots, are edible and used in cuisine.
How often should I water a terrestrial lily?
Regular watering is essential for lilies, but the soil should not be soggy.
Can lilies be used for medicinal purposes?
Some lilies have been used in traditional medicine, but it's crucial to consult with professionals before use.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
