Hymenocallis choctawensis Traub

Choctaw Spider Lily

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Choctaw Spider Lily is a native herbaceous perennial in the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). It is native to the southernmost counties in Alabama. Choctaw Spider Lily grows in swamps, floodplain forests, and along spring runs and small to medium streams. It is a perennial from a rhizomatous bulb. The bulb is relatively small (compared to other Spider Lily species) and elongate. Several plants are often connected by rhizomes. The leaves are oblanceolate and distinctly wider beyond the middle. The leaves are coriaceous (relatively thick and tough), dark shiny green in color, and glabrous. They are not glaucous, and are present during and after flowering. Flowers are produced at the tops of leafless flowering stems (scapes). There are from 2-12 large, fragrant flowers. There are six linear, white sepals that subtend the funnel form corona. The corona is white with a small yellow-green “eye”. There are six long stamens that are partially fused to the corona. The margins of the corona between the filaments of the stamens has 2-3 teeth. The fruit is a capsule. The fruit is a globose green capsule. Choctaw Spider Lily is the only species of Spider Lily in Alabama with rhizomes. Woodland Spider Lily (Hymenocallis occidentalis (Le Conte) Kunth) often occurs in the same counties as Choctaw Spider Lily. Woodland Spider Lily usually occurs on better drained sites, has glaucous leaves that are usually absent at the time of flowering, and flowers later in the year. Choctaw Spider Lily is occasionally available from specialty bulb companies. It requires a constantly moist soil, but should not be allowed to sit in standing water. It prefers partial to full shade.--A. Diamond

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Native S1 (State Rank) G3G4 (Global Rank)

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