Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Tuesday - April 12, 2005

From: Yoakum, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Smarty Plants on Rain-lily
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

What is the common lily (I think) that grows in the ditches and especially this year because of all the rain. The flower is trumpet shaped and has red stripes in the petals? Very common everywhere there is water. It is not the spider lily. Looks like an Amaryllis.

ANSWER:

You are probably seeing the Rain-lily (Cooperia pedunculata). If our picture doesn't match what you are seeing, please send us a digital photo and we will identify the plant. Please visit the Ask the Expert page for instructions on how to submit a digital image.

From the Image Gallery

Hill country rain lily
Zephyranthes drummondii