Alligator Lily (Hymenocallis palmeri): Fragrant White Spider Lily of Southern Wetlands

Botanical Profile

Family: Amaryllidaceae (am-uh-ril-id-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Hymenocallis (hy-men-oh-KAL-is)
Species: palmeri (PALM-er-ee)
Synonym: Hymenocallis humilis

Description

Alligator lily is a bulbous perennial native to swamps, marshes, and wet prairies of Florida and the Gulf Coast. It forms a clump of strap-shaped, glossy green leaves 12–24 inches long. In spring to early summer, it produces fragrant, white, spider-like flowers on leafless scapes 18–30 inches tall. Each flower has 6 narrow, reflexed tepals and a prominent, funnel-shaped corona (cup) with fringed edges—resembling a spider or alligator's grin.

Cultivation

Requires consistently moist to wet, acidic, organic-rich soil. Full sun to partial shade. Hardy in zones 8–10. Ideal for rain gardens, pond margins, and bog gardens. Bulbs can be divided in fall. In cooler zones, grow in containers and keep wet.

Ecological Value

Pollinated by hawkmoths attracted to the night-fragrant flowers. Provides nectar for butterflies. A characteristic species of southeastern wetlands.