How to identify Red Spider lily (Lycoris radiata)

How to identify Red Spider lily (Lycoris radiata)

Red Spider lily, also known as Spider Lily, Red magic lily, Equinox flower

Red Spider lily emerges in late summer with striking, bright red flowers perched atop tall, leafless stems, ranging from 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) high. Each flower is a tubular bloom that dramatically recurves, with petals unfurling like the spokes of a wheel. Within the open blooms, long, protruding stamens are a prominent feature. Typically, these vibrant blooms are clustered in groups of 4 to 7, forming an eye-catching umbel that captivates an observer's attention.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Red Spider lily

Bright red tubular flowers on leafless stems (2-3 feet/60-90 cm tall)

Flowers with recurved petals resembling wheel spokes and protruding stamens

Distinctive rosette of basal, strap-like leaves (12-24 inches/30-60 cm long, 0.4-0.6 inches/1-1.5 cm wide)

Leaves remain vibrant green through winter and exhibit parallel vein pattern

Nodding red flowers with reflexed and wavy lobes, each with prominent spider-like stamens

Detailed Traits of Red Spider lily

Leaf Features

The leaves of red Spider lily are basal and form in a rosette pattern. They are narrowly strap-like, extending up to 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) in length and approximately 0.4-0.6 inches (1-1.5 cm) in width. The leaves are fleshy and exhibit a smooth texture. They are a vibrant green, maintaining their color through winter until they die back in the spring. The vein pattern is parallel, typical of monocots, which facilitates easy identification.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of red Spider lily are terminal, featuring 4-6 nodding blooms on a naked stem that reaches 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) tall. Each red, funnel-shaped flower is 6-parted with strongly reflexed and wavy lobes. The stamens are prominent, extending out and resembling spider legs. These distinctive flowers bloom from late summer to early fall, providing a striking visual display.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

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