The Hymenocallis Coronaria plant, also known as the Cahaba lily, shoal lily, or shoals spider
lily, is a Hymenocallis plant species that is found throughout the southeastern part of the United
States. Several parts of North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina have this plant in
their areas. The Cahaba lily was discovered in 1783 by William Bartram in the Savannah River
near Augusta, Georgia, where it grew and was described as an “odoriferous Pancratium fluitans.”
The Cahaba lily is unique because of its looks and the environment that is needed for it to
survive. Growing three-inch wide white flowers, the lily needs constant flowing water over rocks
with sunlight. In addition to the habitat, it grows in, the flower only distinctively blooms for 24
hours.
Although the Cahaba lily is a well-known, preserved flower. It is an endangered species. Due to
multiple reasons, like construction, mining, and development. To help maintain the population,
multiple groups have collected seeds from their original stands and planted them across Flat
Shoals Creek.
To also bring more attention to the Cahaba Lily, there is a dedicated event to the flower. The
Cahaba Lily festival is located at West Blocton in the months of May and June. It is a 2-part
event that includes a livestream, or you could plan a day to go see the Cahaba lily in person. To
find out more about the festival, you can go to https://cahabalily.com/ for more information.
