One of the best things about a prescribed fire in a mesic or hydric pine flatwoods is the appearance of zephyrlilies a few weeks post-burn. The lily seen here is, I believe, Simpson's zephyr lily (Zephyranthes simpsonii). It is listed as endangered in Florida and is endemic to peninsular Florida! We have these on Panther Island and other areas of Corkscrew. It seems to be that the limiting factor for its range is competition with other plants (another management reason for removal of invasive, non-native vegetation!). Mowing and other activities along roadsides, etc can reduce competing vegetation to levels were they are able to compete and survive. The main threats to its continued existence pertain to habitat changes such as over-drainage and development.
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