It is native to the Balkans and Middle East, and naturalized in other parts of Europe, including France, Italy, and Ukraine, and in North Africa, the Canary Islands, Mexico, and other regions.

It forms bulbs at ground level, and, unlike other lilies, grows a basal rosette of leaves during winter, which die the following summer.

[clarification needed] The Bible describes King Solomon's Temple as adorned with designs of Madonna lilies on the columns,[12] and on the brazen Sea (Laver).

For example, Medieval depictions of the Annunciation show Gabriel the Archangel handing a white lily to the Virgin Mary.

[24] Rapid treatment with activated charcoal, and/or induced vomiting, can reduce the amount of toxin absorbed.

A vet will give the cat large amounts of fluid by IV, which can reduce the damage to the kidneys, and thus increase the chances of survival.