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(Wachendorfia thyrsiflora)
Marsh Butterfly Lily (Wachendorfia thyrsiflora)
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By Di Turner no rights reserved
Public Domain
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By Di Turner no rights reserved
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Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: By Di Turner no rights reserved | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Uploader: outramps-tanniedi | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Wachendorfia thyrsiflora, commonly known as Marsh Butterfly Lily, is a robust, evergreen perennial plant native to the wetlands and marshy areas of South Africa. It typically grows to a height of 0.6–2.5 m (2.0–8.2 ft) when flowering. The plant features a distinctive red rootstock due to arylphenalenone pigments, sturdy, entire, and broadly sword-shaped leaves with laterally flattened and pleated leaf blades. The golden yellow flowers are borne in a dense cylindrical panicle atop a tall, firm stalk, blooming from spring until mid-summer. The flowers are showy and attract pollinators, adding a bright splash of color to the garden.
The Marsh Butterfly Lily is valued for its ease of cultivation and its ability to thrive in moist conditions. It is particularly suited for water gardens, bog gardens, and as a marginal plant in ponds. Its evergreen foliage and prolonged flowering period make it a popular choice for gardeners seeking continuous interest. While it can tolerate light frosts, it is not suited for areas with severe frosts. The plant prefers full sun to light shade and requires high amounts of water, thriving in soils with slow or wet drainage. It is a low-maintenance plant that can flower for several years without the need for replanting. No significant pests or diseases are known to affect this species, making it a trouble-free addition to suitable gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Marsh Butterfly Lily is valued for its ease of cultivation and its ability to thrive in moist conditions. It is particularly suited for water gardens, bog gardens, and as a marginal plant in ponds. Its evergreen foliage and prolonged flowering period make it a popular choice for gardeners seeking continuous interest. While it can tolerate light frosts, it is not suited for areas with severe frosts. The plant prefers full sun to light shade and requires high amounts of water, thriving in soils with slow or wet drainage. It is a low-maintenance plant that can flower for several years without the need for replanting. No significant pests or diseases are known to affect this species, making it a trouble-free addition to suitable gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Slow, Wet
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wetlands and marshy areas of South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Bloodroot, Redroot, Rooikanol
Scientific Names: , Wachendorfia thyrsiflora, Wachendorfia elata,
GBIF Accepted Name: Wachendorfia thyrsiflora Burm.