String Lily Crinum americanum
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- KRY-num a-mer-ih-KAY-num
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Southern Swamp Lily is a perennial bulb in the Amaryllis family. It is native to wetlands, swamps, marshes, and stream banks from South Carolina to Florida and west to Texas. The species grows in small groups in still-water habitats and prefers a water depth of 1-6 inches but will grow up to a 12-inch depth.
Although it is native to wet sites it will grow in moist garden environments or it can be planted in containers that are kept moist to wet. Only use a pot 2 inches larger than the bulb. If growing in the garden, mulch heavily in the winter. Otherwise, it can be grown in water gardens, along streams, ponds or bogs. It prefers full sun to partial shade. Do not disturb the bulbs once planted or it may take up to 2-3 years before it blooms again.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Water Garden at David Caldwell Historic Park
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Crinum
- Species:
- americanum
- Family:
- Amaryllidaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Bulb
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South East U.S.A. to Mexico and W. Caribbean
- Distribution:
- AL , AR , FL , GA , LA , MS , NC , SC , TX
- Wildlife Value:
- Submerged portions provide habitats for many micro and macroinvertebrates. These invertebrates, in turn, are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic invertebrates. Attracts moths at night with increased fragrance.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Poisonous
- Water Plant
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Frequent Standing Water
- Occasionally Wet
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit is a capsule, with large, fleshy seeds
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Umbel
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Long Bloom Season
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Dome
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- 6 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- Large lily-like flowers are up to 4 inches across and long and appear in umbrels of 2-6. They have long narrow separated petals that curve back. They are white to blush pink with long purple stamens and anthers extending outward. Blooms June- Nov.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Long green strap-like leaves are 2-4 feet long and 2-3 inches wide and arise directly from the bulb.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- The long reddish naked stem is I inch in diameter and arises directly from the bulb.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Pond
- Riparian
- Landscape Theme:
- Rain Garden
- Water Garden
- Design Feature:
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Frogs
- Moths
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Wet Soil
