Plant · GBIF taxon 5326179
Surprise Lily
Lycoris squamigeraAlso known as Resurrection Lily, Naked Ladies, Magic Lily, Pink Flamingo Lily
Surprise lilies produce strap-like green foliage in early spring that completely dies back by midsummer, leaving behind seemingly empty ground. In late summer, sturdy bare stems shoot up rapidly to display clusters of fragrant, rose-pink trumpet flowers. This unusual leafless bloom habit reflects an evolutionary adaptation to seasonal moisture shifts in its native East Asian woodlands.
PerennialBulbFragrant
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight
- Water
- Soil Minerals
Predators
- Slugs
- Snails
- Voles
ThreatsBulb rot from overwatering, extreme winter freezing
HabitatsWoodland edges, open meadows, gardens, disturbed soils
Life span20 to 50 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAsparagales
- FamilyAmaryllidaceae
- GenusLycoris
- SpeciesLycoris squamigera
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- All parts contain toxic alkaloids; wild plants also have dangerous look-alikes, so never ingest.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains the toxic alkaloid lycorine, which induces violent vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and severe gastrointestinal distress if ingested.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by smooth, leafless green stalks topped with terminal clusters of fragrant, light purple-pink funnel-shaped flowers in late summer.
- What to do
- Handle bulbs with care, keep out of reach of livestock and pets, and avoid consuming any part of the plant.
Responsible observation
- Spotting Blooms: Watch for sudden flower spikes appearing in late July or August where spring foliage faded.
- Garden Care: Plant underground bulbs in well-drained soil during autumn and avoid overwatering dormant roots.
- Pet Safety: Keep dogs and cats away from garden beds where subterranean bulbs can be excavated.
Look-Alike (c) Jonathan Juan Chancasana Villacorta, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jonathan Juan Chancasana Villacorta · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Y.K.Tarabagani, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子 · cc0
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