PlantFiles: Rain Lily, Fairy Lily, Zephyr Lily
Zephyranthes jonesii

I have not grown this plant but have seen it growing in its native habitat. Another common name for this plant is Jones' rain lily. It is an endemic Texas native rain lily that is found in the South Texas Plains and Gulf Prairies and Marshes regions. It natively inhabits only 6 counties and is listed on the threatened species list (classified as "Vulnerable"). It usually grows in open fields, swales, ditches and coastal bends and prefers sandy loam. They sometimes can be seen blooming along the highway medians in Victoria, Texas which is where I have seen them.

Z. jonesii may be a natural hybrid between the night blooming Z. chlorosolen and perhaps the day blooming Habranthus tubispathus var. texensis. The fragrant Jones' rain lily blooms in the afternoon. The blooms I have seen are a liitle smaller than a quarter. It has rounded, glossy green leaf blades. It blooms in mid-summer and continues through to early fall. The blooms occur from mid-summer through early fall. When first open, the blooms are dark yellow with a brown tinged outside. By the second day, their color has changed to a light creamy yellow.

Z. jonesii is one of the small flowered zephs maybe the size of a nickle, lemon yellow but does not fade. Bloom is very upward facing, mildly fragrant. It is extrememly self ferile, with non exerted pistil so care has to be taken in crossing. Seedlings are vigorous. Crosses are being made both ways. This zeph repeats, but maybe not as prolifically as others. Looks hopeful as a good parent. It has been suggested that this is a natural hybrid and floral characteristics would support this. Source is nursery stock