Unmistakable large late summer flowers, July-August, white and very fragrant, resemble ruffled funnels with six long bracts underneath; flowers are followed by lumpy green fruits. Leaves are sword-shaped, generally remaining until fruiting begins.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Spider Lily
Hymenocallis occidentalis
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Wetland
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost)
Main Color: White
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Photo: Mervin Wallace

Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade, Shade

Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High

Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects

Wildlife Benefit
Food/Pollinators

Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
30 to
36
inches
Spread:
12 to
18
inches
Size
Height: 30 to
36
inches
Spread: 12 to
18
inches
Size
Height: 30 to
36
inches
Spread: 12 to
18
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Along waterways, rain gardens and woodland areas where adequate moisture can be maintained.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Site in either sun or shade. Requires a long growing season, flowering less reliably in northern latitudes.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fragrant, Rainscaping
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.