magic lily, Red spiderlily
Native to: China, Japan, Korea, and Nepal
Red spiderlilies are a popular ornamental that some consider an heirloom plant in the SE Unites States. It can be found at old homestead sites and sometimes outside cultivation in disturbed areas. Also colloquially referred to as hurricane lilies because they bloom in late summer and fall following heavy rains.
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Habit: Herbaceous perennial up to 2 feet in height.
Leaves: Basal, narrowly strap-like, and fleshy.
Flowers: 6-parted, red, funnel-shaped, the lobes strongly reflexed and wavy. The stamens are exserted and resemble spider legs.
Distribution in Florida: Northwest to north central Florida.
Bulbs of all Lycoris species contain the alkaloid poison, lycorine, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and sometimes death in humans and other animals. Although Lycoris bulbs are considered to have low toxicity, homeowners should be aware of the poisonous potential of hurricane lilies, particularly if small children and pets are present. On the other hand, this poisonous component has the benefit of making hurricane lilies resistant to damage from deer and rodents (EP255). No negative environmental or economic impacts have been reported.
