Clump-forming perennial herbs; bulb tunicate. Leaves few, basal, ± linear to lorate. Flowers bisexual, usually actinomorphic and umbellate, occasionally solitary; spathe of 1-2 valves, scarious, persistent or deciduous before maturity. Perianth petaloid, with or without tube, sometimes with corona. Stamens 6, opposite perianth-segments, inserted on them or free; filaments free, or expanded at base and connate. Ovary inferior; style slender, with capitate or 3-lobed stigma; ovules usually many. Fruit a capsule, or fleshy and indehiscent. Genera c. 85, of temperate and warm temperate regions, rarer in the tropics; many genera and spp. cultivated.