Swamp Lily
Crinum americanum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Swamp Lily (Crinum americanum) is a perennial forb native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states. It blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November. The flowers draw butterflies, bees, and moths. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Swamp Lily (Crinum americanum) 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.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, moths
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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Swamp Lily produces clusters of fragrant white trumpet-shaped flowers on tall stems above strappy evergreen leaves. This bulbous perennial blooms reliably from summer through fall and thrives in moist conditions. The foliage forms neat clumps that provide year-round structure in the landscape.
Growing Swamp Lily
Grow Swamp Lily in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Swamp Lily is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The fragrant blooms attract butterflies, bees, and night-flying moths throughout its extended blooming season. The nectar-rich flowers are particularly valuable for pollinators during the hot summer months when fewer plants are flowering.
Common questions
- How much sun does Swamp Lily need?
- Swamp Lily grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Swamp Lily bloom?
- Swamp Lily blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- Where is Swamp Lily native?
- Swamp Lily (Crinum americanum) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Swamp Lily attract?
- Swamp Lily draws butterflies, bees, and moths.
- Is Swamp Lily HOA-friendly?
- Swamp Lily is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Swamp Lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz