Red Spider Lily: Flowers With No Leaves

After a heavy summer rain, it's very likely to see strange flowers of flaming red sprout from the soil and soon become a sea of vibrant color. The flower has a peculiar shape, with long stamens that extend from narrow segments and curve backward, resembling spider's legs. This is why it is called a red spider lily.

Red spider lilies are native to China, Korea, and Nepal, though they were introduced to Japan in the 1800s where they naturalized and have become symbolically associated with death. They are often seen at funerals or planted on graves. The flowers of this plant have an unusual look, and bloom in early fall in vivid red. They last just a week or two, during which time they fade to a coral-pink.