Rain Lily

White flowers on leafless stems growing straight out of the ground

Zephyranthes atamasca, commonly called the atamasco lily, is native to Florida. Photo: Marc S. Frank, University of Florida Herbarium

This plant that springs miraculously from the ground after the rain is known by many names: rain lily, zephyr lily, fairy lily.

Their delicate blossoms can be pink, white or even yellow. There are many cultivated species of rain lilies; bulbs or transplants can be purchased at garden centers.

Luckily, they're low-maintenance and warm Florida winters mean the bulbs don't have to be dug up each year. Rain lilies, like many other types of garden lilies grown in Florida, contain various toxic alkaloids and can cause poisoning if consumed.

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