# agapanthus

Agapanthus, also known as the African lily, has beautiful blue or white flowers that bloom in summer. They grow in clusters and can make gardens look colorful and cheerful!

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Urban areas, gardens
- **Also known as:** Lily of the Nile

![agapanthus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/A_flower_of_Agapanthus_in_Israel.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Hanay, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_flower_of_Agapanthus_in_Israel.jpg)

## Appearance

The agapanthus has striking globe-like clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers, often vibrant blue, purple, or white. Its long, strap-like green leaves form dense clumps at the base, creating a dramatic visual contrast with the tall, sturdy flower stalks.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Liliopsida
- **Order:** Asparagales
- **Family:** Amaryllidaceae
- **Genus:** Agapanthus

## Interesting facts

- Even though it's called 'Lily of the Nile,' agapanthus is not a true lily and isn't from the Nile River.
- The name 'Agapanthus' means 'love flower' in Greek, from 'agape' (love) and 'anthos' (flower)!
- There are hundreds of varieties, with flowers in many shades of blue, purple, and even white!
- These tough plants can survive small fires, regrowing quickly from their protected underground roots.

## Special abilities

- **Water Storage Roots:** Agapanthus has thick, fleshy roots that store water and nutrients, helping it survive long dry periods.
- **Clumping Power:** Agapanthus forms dense clumps of leaves, which helps it outcompete weeds and protect its crown from harsh weather.
- **Seed Spreader:** Agapanthus produces many seeds in each capsule, allowing it to spread easily and grow in new places.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 60-120 cm
- **Spread:** 30-60 cm
- **Flower Size:** 2-5 cm
- **Bloom Season:** Summer
- **Edible:** No
- **Toxicity:** Mild
- **Lifecycle:** Perennial
- **Pollination Method:** Insect

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** European honey bee (*Apis mellifera*) — helps transfer pollen to create new seeds.
- **Pollinates:** African carpenter bee (*Xylocopa caffra*) — gathers nectar and pollen, aiding in reproduction.
- **Pollinates:** African citrus swallowtail (*Papilio demodocus*) — visits the flowers for nectar, spreading pollen around.

## Traits

- [Ornamental](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ornamental): Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
- [Cluster Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/cluster-flower): Cluster flowers are inflorescences where individual flowers are arranged closely together on a common stem.
- [Summer Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/summer-blooming): Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
- [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
- [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
- [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.

## Collections

- [Flowers](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/flowers)
- [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Always ask an adult before picking flowers, and remember to enjoy them in nature!

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify agapanthus?

Count the petals where you can, then compare the flower's center, its symmetry, how the blooms are grouped and the leaves below. Color varies between garden varieties and shifts with the light. Flower Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is agapanthus?

60-120 cm

### How wide does agapanthus spread?

30-60 cm

### How big are the flowers on agapanthus?

2-5 cm

### When does agapanthus bloom?

Summer

### Is agapanthus edible?

No

### Is agapanthus toxic?

Mild

### What is agapanthus's lifecycle?

Perennial

## Where to spot

- [Koyamaike Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/koyamaike-park) — Tottori, JP · Park

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Agapanthus: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/agapanthus)