About Zephyranthes atamasco (L.) Herb.
Zephyranthes atamasco (L.) Herb. (sometimes referred to as Zephyranthes atamasca) is most commonly known as the atamasco lily. It is occasionally called Easter lily, and is more generally categorized as a rain-lily. This species is native to the Southern United States, where it grows in swampy forests and coastal prairies. It prefers acid, boggy soils that are rich in leaf mold. Broad, grassy leaves emerge in early winter, and blooming occurs in March or April. The plant produces several narrow, linear basal leaves that are about 0.5 inches (13 mm) wide and 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm) long. Its native range stretches from Florida north to Maryland, and west to Mississippi. This species has also become naturalized in Bermuda and the Mariana Islands. Both the leaves and bulbs of Zephyranthes atamasco are poisonous.
