When does Northern spiderlily bloom?

Northern spiderlily typically flowers from June through August, with individual blooms opening in the evening and lasting only a day or two.

What pollinates Northern spiderlily?

The fragrant white flowers attract night-flying moths and butterflies, which are drawn to the strong scent and pale color that stands out at dusk.

How much water does this plant need?

Northern spiderlily prefers consistently moist to wet soil and is often found along streambanks, floodplains, and low woodland areas.

Does Northern spiderlily need full sun?

No. It grows best in part sun to light shade, especially where soil stays damp, and can struggle in intense all-day sun without extra moisture.

Is Northern Spiderlily toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Northern Spiderlily as toxic to livestock.

Is Northern Spiderlily HOA-friendly?

Northern Spiderlily is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Northern Spiderlily

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hymenocallis occidentalis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Northern spiderlily produces fragrant white spider-shaped flowers from June through August in moist woodlands and bottomlands across the southeastern and south-central United States. It grows best in part sun with consistently damp soil.

Toxicity unknown

Northern Spiderlily (Hymenocallis occidentalis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Northern Spiderlily as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 11 more states

Pollinators

moths, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Southeastern Plains Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain

Northern spiderlily produces striking white spider-like flowers on tall stems during summer months. This native bulb grows in clumps with strap-shaped leaves that die back in winter, making it ideal for adding dramatic seasonal interest to moist garden areas.

Growing Northern Spiderlily

Grow Northern Spiderlily in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Northern Spiderlily is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

Leaves die back completely in winter leaving bare spots
May look sparse when not in bloom
Requires consistent moisture which can be challenging to maintain

Wildlife value

The fragrant white flowers attract night-flying moths and butterflies during the summer blooming period. The nectar-rich blooms are particularly valuable for sphinx moths and other nocturnal pollinators.

Common questions

When does Northern spiderlily bloom?: Northern spiderlily typically flowers from June through August, with individual blooms opening in the evening and lasting only a day or two.
What pollinates Northern spiderlily?: The fragrant white flowers attract night-flying moths and butterflies, which are drawn to the strong scent and pale color that stands out at dusk.
How much water does this plant need?: Northern spiderlily prefers consistently moist to wet soil and is often found along streambanks, floodplains, and low woodland areas.
Does Northern spiderlily need full sun?: No. It grows best in part sun to light shade, especially where soil stays damp, and can struggle in intense all-day sun without extra moisture.
Is Northern Spiderlily toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Northern Spiderlily as toxic to livestock.
Is Northern Spiderlily HOA-friendly?: Northern Spiderlily is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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