anyone recognize this bulb???

[Marcia_pa]

I got this bulb from a friend of a friend and have no idea what it is. The person who gave it to me said it is hardy to zone 5-6 (an outdoor garden plant), but other than that she doesn't know anything about it. She did say it is kind of special or unique, or something like that

I just potted it up today and will grow it until I see what kind of foliage appears, I guess. But if anyone knows what it might be I'd love to hear it!
Marcia

[solay]

It might be a daffodil or narcissus bulb. They would be done blooming now and would look like that once the foliage is cut. If it is a daffodil/narcissus you wouldn't plant it now. You would need to keep it in a dry/cool place and plant in the fall.

[Marcia_pa]

I haven't dug any daff bulbs for a few years, so I don't remember what their roots look like, but I was struck by the size and thickness of this bulb's roots. I have some daffs that need divided so I might just dig up a clump and compare them.

Thanks for the suggestion, Solay.
Marcia

[patlee]

That thing is big!!--Based on the size of the roots and bulbs,it is some type of lily. But they are summer bulbs and unless it was growing in a GH or potted & indoors, it would not have a root system like that at this time of year.
How about a frittilaria? Does it smell? Those things emit an odor that will repel voles and moles. I have a few and they're about a foot tall already. Before you plant them they have a distinct odor--kind of pungent. They are big bulbs, and I'll bet they have a hefty root system already
These are just guesses, Hope you find someone who can definitely i.d. it

[solay]

Now that you mentioned it. Yes the roots seem too thick for a daffodil. Well what ever it is. I have a feeling it will be beautiful when it blooms. If you figure it out let me know. Now I'm curious too.

[Ron]

Hi.
My 2 bobs worth is maybe a Hippieastrum or one of the Hymenocallis (hye-me-noh-KAL-is) family.
common name are Spider lily, Ismene, Peruvian daffodil, Sea daffodil.'
They look a bit like your photo, big thick wandering roots.
Beautiful white spidery like flowers.
Multiply fairly quickly.

Cheerio
Ron

[Marcia_pa]

Thank you for your guess, Ron. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes up. Don't you love a gardening mystery??
Marcia