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Rain lily

How to identify Rain lily (Zephyranthes candida)

Rain lily, also known as White fairy lily, White zephyr lily, Fairy lily

Rain lily sports evergreen, rush-like leaves that form a dense clump reaching up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall and 2 feet (60 cm) wide. In late summer and fall, one can witness the bloom of its distinctive white tubular flowers, each featuring six petals surrounded by yellow stamens. These blossoms appear on stalks that rise to the same height as the leaves. Rain lily's ability to flower is influenced by watering patterns, thriving with regular moisture or through a slight drying period between waterings.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Rain lily

1

Dense clump of rush-like evergreen leaves, up to 1 foot tall (30 cm) and 2 feet wide (60 cm).

2

Distinctive white tubular flowers with 6 petals and yellow stamens, blooming at same height as leaves.

3

Elegant silvery white flowers, 1-2 inches across (2.5-5 cm), with star-like shape and orange stamens.

4

Bright green grass-like leaves, 8-12 inches long (20-30 cm), slender with linear shape and parallel venation.

5

Upright grass-like stems, bright green, 1-2 millimeters in diameter (0.04-0.08 inches), non-branching.

Rain lilyRain lilyRain lilyRain lilyRain lily

Detailed Traits of Rain lily

Leaf Features

The leaves of rain lily are narrow and grass-like, measuring around 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in length. They are bright green, creating a striking contrast with the plant's blooms. Each leaf is slender, around 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) wide, with a smooth texture. The leaves exhibit a linear shape and parallel venation, characteristic of monocotyledons. These vivid green leaves form a tufted, basal rosette, emerging directly from the bulb and giving an overall vigorous and lush appearance.

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Flower Features

Rain lily features elegant, silvery white flowers measuring 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across. Each flower showcases six subtle, delicate petals that form a star-like shape. The center of the bloom is adorned with striking orange stamens, which provide a vivid contrast against the white petals. These blossoms typically exhibit a subtle, sweet fragrance, adding to their allure. The flowers mainly bloom in late summer to early autumn, making rain lily a beautiful addition during these seasons.

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Stem Features

The stems of rain lily are grass-like and upright, resembling narrow, elongated blades. They are smooth to the touch, with a bright green color that remains consistent throughout the length. Typically, the stems are slender, with a diameter of about 1 to 2 millimeters (0.04 to 0.08 inches). They do not exhibit any branching and maintain a uniform thickness from base to tip. The overall appearance is delicate yet sturdy, supporting the plant's foliage and floral structures effectively.

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Key Facts About Rain lily

Attributes of Rain lily
Lifespan
Perennial, Annual
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Stem Color
Green
White
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Rain lily

Family
Amaryllis
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Species
Rain lily (Zephyranthes candida)
Learn More About the Rain lily

Distribution Map of Rain lily

Rain lily is originally native to parts of South America, specifically regions within the continent that align with modern southern cone areas. It has been introduced and naturalized in various countries across Asia, including island nations, in addition to regions in East Asia, Mexico, and some areas of South Africa. Rain lily is also cultivated, which has expanded its range beyond its native and introduced territories.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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