Crinum americanum
Common Name(s): Swamp lily
Native to Florida
Swamp lily is an emersed plant that is frequently found growing in swamps, marshes, and wet hammocks. It is a fragrant native. There are four species of Crinum in Florida (Wunderlin, 2003). Swamp lily is found in the southeastern U.S. (Kartesz, 1999).
Video Transcript
Swamp lily – Crinum americanum
The delicate and fragrant swamp lily is a Florida native. It grows in wetlands and along streams throughout the state. The swamp lily is a perennial herb, with an onion-like bulb. The leaves are erect to spreading. Leaves are strap-like, up to 3 feet long and 3 inches wide. Swamp lily flowers arise from the bulb on a long flower stalk that is separate from the leaves. Two to six flowers occur at the tip of the flower stalk. The long flower tubes are 4 to 6 inches long. Swamp lily flowers are white, or white and pink, and are fragrant. They have 6 petals. The fruit is a capsule, with large, fleshy seeds. Swamp lilies may be confused with spider lilies (of the genus Hymenocallis). Remember that swamp lily flowers have 6 separate petals. Spider lily flowers have petals that are connected by membranous tissue.
- The swamp lily flower has long, wide, strap-like leaves.
- Its flowers are on long stalks.
- Swamp lily flowers are white and fragrant, with 6 separated petals.
View the herbarium specimen image from the University of Florida Herbarium Digital Imaging Projects.