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Plants that fill a similar niche:
Hibiscus laevis Flowers
Saururus cernuus Saururus cernuus
Trillium pusillum Close up of flower
Crinum americanum has some common insect problems:
Banded Greenhouse Thrips

String Lily Crinum americanum

Phonetic Spelling
KRY-num a-mer-ih-KAY-num
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

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.

 

More information on Crinum.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Water Garden at David Caldwell Historic Park
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#water garden#fragrant flowers#houseplant#white flowers#interiorscape#stream banks#herbaceous#swamps#large flowers#pond garden#long bloom time#pollinator plant#larval host plant#food source summer#food source fall#Coastal OBL#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#wet soils tolerant#Audubon#perennial#boggy sites
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#water garden#fragrant flowers#houseplant#white flowers#interiorscape#stream banks#herbaceous#swamps#large flowers#pond garden#long bloom time#pollinator plant#larval host plant#food source summer#food source fall#Coastal OBL#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#wet soils tolerant#Audubon#perennial#boggy sites
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    The fruit is a capsule, with large, fleshy seeds
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Alkaloids
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Seeds
    Stems