The rare and stunning Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies (Hymenocallis coronaria) are now blooming in SC rivers, including in Columbia's three rivers. These resilient aquatic flowers grow in only a few places worldwide, and the Midlands is lucky enough to be one of them.

This year’s Lily Watch update from Landsford Canal State Park reports that hundreds of the lilies were in bloom in late April, leading into peak bloom. Thanks to recent rain, some may still be submerged, but now’s a great time to catch them.

Want to see them up close? Try:

Landsford Canal State Park — Lily Fest is on Saturday, May 16 + Sunday, May 17 with guided hikes
Parks Mill Spider Lily Preserve near Plum Branch — email Bill Stringer to arrange a tour
By kayak in Columbia's three rivers to see them up close

Note: These flowers are protected, so please don’t pick them —photos only.