Galveston Spider Lily (Hymenocallis galvestonensis)

Galveston Spider Lily: A Texas Coastal Native

The Galveston Spider Lily (Hymenocallis galvestonensis) is a rare, native spider lily endemic to the coastal prairies and marshes of the Galveston, Texas area. It produces umbels of 6-10 white, spider-like flowers with a greenish staminal cup, fragrant at night. The glossy, dark green, strap-shaped leaves are evergreen in mild winters. It blooms in spring to early summer.

Conservation and Cultivation

In the wild, it is threatened by habitat loss. In cultivation, it prefers moist, fertile soil, full sun to part shade, and tolerates periodic flooding. It is a beautiful, fragrant addition to water gardens, bog gardens, and coastal plantings in zones 8-10. A plant of regional significance and horticultural merit.

Taxonomy

• Family: Amaryllidaceae
• Genus: Hymenocallis
• Species: galvestonensis