Any of the approximately 30 species of bulbous ornamental herbaceous plants that make up the genus Hyacinthus ( lily family ), native primarily to the Mediterranean region and tropical Africa.
The common garden hyacinths are derived from H. orientalis . Most species have narrow, untoothed leaves at the base of the plant and fragrant flowers (usually blue, but sometimes pink, white, or other colors in cultivated varieties) borne in a cluster at the top of the leafless stems. See also grape hyacinth .