Hymenocallis coronaria

Hymenocallis coronaria commonly known as the Shoal Lily or Cahaba Lily is a rare and beautiful aquatic perennial plant native to the southeastern United States particularly found in the shoals of fast-flowing rivers in states like Alabama Georgia is recognized for its striking star-shaped white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer typically from May to June the flowers are large and fragrant with long narrow petals and a central cup-like corona giving them a delicate yet dramatic appearance each flower blooms for only.

A single day but each plant produces multiple blossoms over the blooming period the plant grows from a bulb and thrives in shallow rocky riverbeds where water flows swiftly and sunlight is abundant its long strap-like leaves can reach up to two feet in length providing a lush green backdrop to the pure white blossoms Hymenocallis coronaria requires clean oxygen-rich water and stable water levels to survive making it highly sensitive to environmental changes and habitat destruction this sensitivity has contributed to its rarity and the plant is considered.

A threatened species in some areas its ecological role is important as the flowers attract various pollinators especially hawk moths which are capable of reaching the nectar deep within the floral tube the Shoal Lily has also become a symbol of natural heritage and conservation efforts in regions where it grows with festivals such as the Cahaba Lily Festival in Alabama celebrating its brief but spectacular blooming season efforts to protect its habitat include controlling pollution preserving natural river flow and preventing damming or dredging in its native waters growing Hymenocallis coronaria outside its natural habitat can be challenging due to its need for constant running water.