spider lily

noun

1. any of several plants having lilylike flowers with narrow petals, as those belonging to the genera Crinum, Hymenocallis, and Lycoris, of the amaryllis family.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spider lily¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

When designing the trip-pod like floorplan, Chicago-based firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill took inspiration from the hymenocallis, or spider lily, a regional desert flower with a central white bulb and six long, slender petals.

From National Geographic

Spanish moss drapes the trees, turtles sun themselves on stones and spider lily plants bloom with bright white flowers.

From Washington Times

It is called spiderwort, spider lily, ink flower, king’s crown, and various other names.

From Project Gutenberg

Spider lily has bright red glowers with long stamens that resemble spider legs.

From Southern Living