[5] Cardiocrinum was originally described by Endlicher in 1836 as one of five sections of Lilium,[1][6] to which it is closely related.

They differ from Lilium in some characteristics, most notably in the heart shaped leaves.

The genus name alludes to these leaves, from the Greek kardia, heart, and krinon, lily.

[8] The Himalayan species Cardiocrinum giganteum is the largest of any of the lily plants, growing up to 3.5 metres high.

The genus Cardiocrinum is endemic to East Asia and has three species, two of which occur in China.