Bulb Terminology

True bulbs--Contain layers of food-storing scales surrounding the central leaves and flowering stem, and are often covered with a papery skin called the tunic. Daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and onions are true bulbs.

Corms--Rounded, swollen stems. Like bulbs, they may also have a tunic. Unlike bulbs, corms are solid. Examples include crocuses and gladioli.

Tubers--Fleshy underground stems that have eyes from which the leaves and flowers grow. Examples include potatoes, caladiums, and tuberous begonias.

Rhizomes--Look like big roots, but they are actually thick, horizontal stems. Calla lilies, cannas, and bearded irises are well-known examples.

Little bulbs--Term used to refer to the collection of bulbs that are too small to be considered true bulbs, even though they fit the definition. They include snowdrops, aconites, squills and grape hyacinths.

Also in this Episode

Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-312
•	Spring-Flowering Bulbs
•	Fertilizing the Lawn
•	Bulb Terminology
•	Mower Maintenance
•	Q&A: Transplanting
•	Q&A: Grubs, Lawn Aeration
•	Q&A: Master Gardeners
•	Q&A: Historical Trees