Nemastylis floridana, Celestial Lily

Nemastylis floridana, Celestial Lily (Happy-hour Flower) As it name suggests, Celestial lily (Nemastylis floridana) is a heavenly little wildflower found in open, sunny, wet flatwoods and freshwater marshes and swamps. Though they have some drought tolerance, they prefer moist conditions during the summer and early fall. Flowering occurs August through October and attracts mostly bees. The plant is endemic to peninsular Florida. Once common, it is now a state-listed endangered species, largely due to loss of habitat and fire suppression. It is the only species of Nemastylis to occur in Florida. Celestial lily’s bluish to purple flower is composed of a 6-parted perianth, with 3 petals and 3 sepals that are wide-spreading. Stamens are thick, bright yellow and number 3. Anthers are twisted. The style is whitish and split into 6 threadlike branches. Basal leaves are few, long (12–18 inches) and grass-like. Stem leaves are reduced. Stems are thin and may grow to 2½ feet tall. The fruit is