Cahaba Lily

hymenocallis coronaria

The Cahaba Lily (Hymenocallis coronaria) is a majestic, aquatic wildflower famous for its striking white blooms and highly specialized habitat requirements. Found only in the swift-flowing, rocky shoals of rivers and streams in the southeastern United States, this elegant member of the Amaryllis family is a true botanical treasure. Its large, fragrant flowers open for just one day, creating a brief but spectacular seasonal showcase that draws nature enthusiasts from all over the world.

Habitat: Found exclusively in swift-flowing, shallow currents of clean rivers and streams, anchored in rocky shoals that receive full sunlight.

Appearance

This stunning perennial features large, white flowers up to 15 centimeters wide, characterized by a distinct central cup (corona) resembling a daffodil, from which six long, spider-like petals extend. The flowers arise in clusters on top of a stout, leafless stalk that reaches heights of 60 to 90 centimeters, arising from a clump of strap-like, dark green leaves.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyAmaryllidaceaeGenusHymenocallis

Cahaba Lily

Interesting facts

Each individual flower of the Cahaba Lily blooms for only a single day, opening at dusk and withering by the following afternoon.

The city of West Blocton, Alabama, hosts an annual Cahaba Lily Festival every May to celebrate and raise conservation awareness for this rare botanical wonder.

The plant's seeds are completely self-contained with their own water supply, allowing them to germinate almost immediately upon sinking.

Special abilities

Possesses incredibly strong, heavy bulbs that wedge deep into the crevices of rocky river shoals to resist being swept away by strong aquatic currents.

Produces large, dense, bulb-like green seeds that sink immediately to the riverbed, preventing them from floating away and helping them lodge securely in rocky cracks.

Opens its flowers at dusk, emitting a strong fragrance to attract night-flying pollinators, maximizing pollination efficiency during its single-day lifespan.

Measurements & details

Length: 60-90 cm
Lifespan: 5-20 years

Diet & Feeding

The Cahaba Lily produces its own energy via photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and minerals absorbed through its roots in the riverbed.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Soil minerals

Foraging Method

Photosynthesis

Ecological connections

mutualism

Plebeian Sphinx Moth

Paratrea plebeja

Pollinated primarily at night by this large moth species attracted to its sweet fragrance.

eaten by

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Occasionally grazes on the exposed green leaves and flower buds when river levels are low.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Cahaba Lily?

The easiest way to identify Cahaba Lily is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Cahaba Lily?

60-90 cm

How long does Cahaba Lily live?

5-20 years

What does Cahaba Lily eat?

The Cahaba Lily produces its own energy via photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and minerals absorbed through its roots in the riverbed.

Where is Cahaba Lily usually found?

Found exclusively in swift-flowing, shallow currents of clean rivers and streams, anchored in rocky shoals that receive full sunlight.

How does Cahaba Lily hunt?

Photosynthesis