Golden Spider Lily Lycoris aurea
ABOUT
Commonly known as the golden spider lily, this striking plant is admired for its unique and captivating flowers. The golden spider lily produces bright golden-yellow blossoms that add a splash of color to any garden setting. The flowers have a peculiar shape, with long, curved petals that sweep back, resembling the legs of a spider - hence the name. The petals surround prominent stamens, which have a contrasting appearance against the vivid yellow backdrop of the petals. The bloom has a delicate, yet exuberant aesthetic that is both alluring and unusual. As part of the lily family, these flowers emerge at the top of slender stems that rise above the plant's greenery. The leaves are strap-like and glossy, creating a lush backdrop for the dramatic blooms. The foliage of the golden spider lily often emerges after the flowers have faded, adding interest to the plant even when it is not in flower. The overall impression is of a plant that is both elegant and exotic, with a bloom structure that stands out from more common garden flowers. It's a visual treat in any landscape where it can be displayed as a focal point to capture the attention of onlookers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Golden Spider Lily, Yellow Spider Lily, Hurricane Lily, Resurrection Lily
Common names
Nerine aurea, Lycoris traubii, Amaryllis aurea
ToxicityTo humans
Golden spider lily, also known as Lycoris aurea, is considered toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains alkaloids such as lycorine and other related compounds that can cause poisoning. Symptoms of golden spider lily poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and in severe cases, it may lead to seizures or cardiac arrhythmias. It's important to avoid eating any part of this plant due to its toxic properties.
To pets
Golden spider lily is also toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Much like in humans, the alkaloids, especially lycorine, can induce symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, lethargy, and in severe cases, seizures or tremors. If a pet ingests any part of the golden spider lily, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly to manage the toxicity and prevent more serious consequences.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - Lycoris aurea, commonly known as Golden Spider Lily, is a visually striking plant with vibrant yellow blooms that can enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest - It provides seasonal interest in late summer and early autumn, a time when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Attracts Pollinators - The bright flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, the Golden Spider Lily is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for irrigation.
- Low Maintenance - It requires minimal care, is relatively pest-free, and doesn't need frequent fertilization or pruning.
- Naturalizing - Lycoris aurea can naturalize in suitable climates, spreading and creating larger displays over time.
- Resistant to Deer - The plant is generally resistant to deer, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with a high deer population.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Lycoris aurea may be used to reduce inflammation.
- Analgesic: It might have properties that can relieve pain.
- Antitumor: Some studies suggest that the plant may possess compounds with potential antitumor effects.
- Antibacterial: Extracts from Lycoris aurea have been researched for antibacterial properties.
- Antifungal: Research indicates possible antifungal activities within this plant.
- Antioxidant: There may be components in the plant that exhibit antioxidant properties.
- Neuroprotective: Lycoris aurea may have compounds that help in protecting nerve cells.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lycoris aurea, commonly known as the Golden Spider Lily, is often used in landscape design to create dramatic seasonal displays, as they bloom suddenly after a heavy rain.
- The bulbs of Lycoris aurea can be used as a natural pest repellent in gardens due to their toxicity, deterring rodents and deer from eating nearby cultivated plants.
- The striking flowers of the Golden Spider Lily are sometimes used in cut flower arrangements, especially for artistic or avant-garde creations due to their unique appearance.
- Lycoris aurea is used in botanical studies and education to illustrate geophytic plant adaptations, as it has a specific growth pattern with a distinct dormant phase.
- The plant is incorporated into anniversary or remembrance gardens, as it symbolizes the themes of longing and memories due to its ephemeral flowering period.
- Environmental scientists use Golden Spider Lilies as indicator species in certain areas to monitor ecosystem health, particularly around wetlands.
- In certain cultures, Lycoris aurea is planted in cemeteries and is associated with the final farewell, hence it is sometimes used in funeral floral arrangements.
- The fibrous parts of Lycoris aurea can be used as materials in handicrafts, such as making twines or weaves for decorative purposes.
- Lycoris aurea is often a subject in photography and painting, due to its eye-catching blooms that provide an excellent representation of floral beauty.
- Golden Spider Lilies are occasionally used in themed gardens like "moon gardens," which are designed to be enjoyed at night when the pale flowers can be quite luminescent in the moonlight.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Golden Spider Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Golden Spider Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resurrection and Rebirth: Commonly known as the "Golden Spider Lily," Lycoris aurea often symbolizes resurrection and rebirth due to its growth pattern. The plant blooms with vibrant flowers that emerge without prior visible leaf growth, representing new beginnings emerging from dormancy.
- Transience of Life: The Golden Spider Lily's flowers are short-lived, which has made it a symbol of the ephemeral nature of existence, reminding us of the impermanence of life.
- Final Goodbye: In some cultures, notably Japan, the Golden Spider Lily is associated with final goodbyes, due to its bloom coinciding with the autumnal equinox and its historic presence in cemeteries, signifying a last farewell.
- Sad Memories and Lost Love: The fleeting beauty of the Golden Spider Lily is also a symbol of sad memories and lost love, often used in art and literature to express longing or the sorrow of separation.
WaterGolden Spider Lily, the common name for Lycoris aurea, prefers to be watered deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings. During the growing season, water the plant once every 7 to 10 days using approximately half a gallon of water, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil well. During dormancy, reduce watering to once a month or less, depending on the dryness of the soil.
LightGolden Spider Lily thrives best in partial sun to light shade. It should be placed in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day to prevent scorching of its foliage.
TemperatureFor the Golden Spider Lily, ideal temperatures range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate a temperature as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit but prefers to stay within the ideal range for optimal growth.
PruningPruning Golden Spider Lily isn’t typically necessary; however, removing spent flower stalks after blooming can encourage better growth. The best time to do this is when they have completely withered and are easy to detach from the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Golden Spider Lily thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part peat or compost to retain moisture. A slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for the Golden Spider Lily.
RepottingGolden Spider Lilies should be repotted every 2-3 years to ensure fresh soil and room for growth; however, they prefer to be somewhat root-bound and disturbed as little as possible.
Humidity & MistingGolden Spider Lilies prefer moderate humidity levels, meaning natural ambient humidity found in most homes should be sufficient for their growth, without the need for special attention.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use well-draining soil, bright indirect light, and room temperature.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, well-draining soil, and protect from harsh frost.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Golden Spider Lily (Lycoris aurea) begins its life cycle as a bulb, which is the dormant stage that survives underground during unfavorable conditions. In late summer to fall, foliage emerges from the bulb, and the plant produces its striking yellow flowers on stems without any leaves present. After flowering, the leaves develop and photosynthesize throughout the cooler months, providing energy for the bulb to grow and store nutrients. As the temperatures rise in early summer, the foliage dies back and the plant enters a period of dormancy, conserving energy in the bulb once again. During dormancy, the bulb may also produce offsets, which can be separated to propagate new plants. Each year the cycle repeats, with the bulb breaking dormancy to flower and grow leaves, followed by a period of dormancy to endure the hot, dry season.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early fall
Propogation: Lycoris aurea, commonly known as the Golden Spider Lily, is best propagated by dividing its bulbs. This method is both popular and effective for propagating the Golden Spider Lily, ideally performed after the foliage has died down, typically in late summer or early fall. To propagate by bulb division, carefully dig up the plants while trying not to damage the bulbs. Gently separate any offset bulbs that have formed around the main bulb; these are essentially clones of the parent plant. Replant the divisions immediately, setting the bulbs with the pointed end up, in a well-drained soil, at a depth of around 5 to 6 inches (about 12.5 to 15 centimeters). Ensure that the planting site gets full sun to partial shade for optimum growth. With proper care, these new bulb divisions will develop into mature, flowering plants in a few seasons.
