Fauna
Plant

Southern Swamp Crinum

Crinum americanum

Also known as Florida Swamp-Lily, String Lily, Seven Sisters

Southern swamp crinums thrive in shallow, still waters across the coastal plains of the southeastern United States and the Caribbean. Their striking white, spider-like blossoms emit a rich fragrance that draws nocturnal moths and night-flying pollinators. Expanding outward via fleshy underground bulbs, these perennial lilies form dense, bright green clusters that stabilize muddy banks and provide shelter for young aquatic life.

AquaticFloweringFragrant
Southern Swamp Crinum reference1 / 7
(c) Brandon Johnson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Brandon Johnson · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic
Predators
  • Grasshoppers
  • Lubber Grasshoppers
  • Snails
ThreatsWetland drainage, habitat loss, invasive aquatic weeds
HabitatsSwamps, freshwater marshes, roadside ditches, riverbanks
Life spanPerennial (decades via vegetative propagation)
Classification
  1. OrderAsparagales
  2. FamilyAmaryllidaceae
  3. GenusCrinum
  4. SpeciesCrinum americanum
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Contains toxic lycorine alkaloids; do not ingest any parts and keep away from pets.
Why it is dangerous
Contains phenanthridine alkaloids such as lycorine that induce severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and nausea if consumed.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for clusters of long, strap-like leaves emerging from shallow water, bearing tall stalks topped with white six-petaled flowers.
What to do
Observe from a safe distance without picking stems, and never ingest any part of the plant or underground bulb.
Responsible observation
  • Best Viewing: Look along sunny marsh edges and cypress swamps from spring through autumn.
  • Fragrance: Sniff the bright white flowers in late afternoon or evening when scent peaks.
  • Habitat Protection: Observe from boardwalks or banks to avoid disturbing sensitive wetland soil.
Related species
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