Scientific Name
Hymenocallis spp.
Common Name
Spider lily, sea daffodil, basket flower

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Amaryllidaceae
Plant Description
Herbaceous perennial from a bulb; leaves basal, strap-like; flowers fragrant, white or ivory, 6-parted, funnel-shaped, the 6 stamens connected at base with a thin white membrane.
Origin
USA, NC, South America.
Distribution
Southern Coastal Plain.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; forest or natural area in marshes, shallow streams, and ditches; landscape in flower gardens as herbaceous perennial.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Bulbs.
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Toxic Principle
Lycorine and other phenanthridine alkaloids.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

Previous Species, Home, Next Species