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Toad lily

How to identify Toad lily (Tricyrtis hirta)

Toad lily, also known as Japanese toad lily

Toad lily is distinguished by its unique floral arrangement featuring star-shaped blossoms with spotted petals that exhibit a range of colors from white to lilac with purplish speckles. Its prominent, sac-like nectaries, characteristic of the genus, are an identifying trait. The plant's foliage is lush green, and the stems and leaves are noted for a fine, hair-like texture. Typical mature plants can reach heights of approximately 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) and have a spread of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm), thriving in partially shaded areas with rich, moist soil conditions.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Toad lily

1

Star-shaped blossoms with spotted petals in white to lilac hues.

2

Sac-like nectaries at the base of outer tepals, distinctive floral trait.

3

Lush green foliage with fine, hair-like texture on stems and leaves.

4

Cylindrical seed capsule splitting to release disc-shaped, self-sowing seeds.

5

Upright stem with transparent hairs, arched growth habit, and smooth texture.

Toad lilyToad lilyToad lilyToad lilyToad lily

Detailed Traits of Toad lily

Leaf Features

The leaves of toad lily are alternate, light green, and oval to oblong in shape, measuring 3-6 inches (7.6-15.2 cm) long. They are covered in fine hairs, giving a hairy texture, and clasp at the base in a distinctive ladder-like arrangement. The venation is parallel, enhancing the elongated appearance of the leaves. These characteristics collectively aid in differentiating toad lily from other similar species.

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Flower Features

The flowers of toad lily are small, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, and resemble lilies or orchids. They are star-shaped with six conspicuous tepals — three petals and three sepals. The base of the outer tepals features sac-like nectaries. The flowers, white to pale lilac adorned with heavy purple freckles, form a distinctive crown of stamens and styles that extends beyond the tepals. They bloom in late summer and fall, either solitarily or in small clusters (cymes) of 2-3 flowers, facing upward from the upper leaf axils.

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Stem Features

The stem of toad lily is marked by fine, transparent hairs and stands upright, often arched. It is unbranched and showcases a smooth texture. The stem measures between 23 and 36 inches (58-91 cm) in height, with a slender, yet sturdy, form. This combination of fine hairs and a tall, arching growth habit are distinguishing features crucial for identifying the plant.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of toad lily is characterized by its unique, cylindrical seed capsule that is integral to its propagation. Upon maturation and drying, this capsule deftly splits to release 2 or 3 disc-shaped seeds, each measuring about 1/8 inch (3 mm) across. These papery seeds possess the ability to self-sow, thereby enabling toad lily to naturalize in congenial settings. The seeds enter a dormancy period, requiring a germination time frame of approximately 1 to 3 months before sprouting. Seasonally, they are ideally sown at the close of fall or on the cusp of spring's final frost.

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Key Facts About Toad lily

Attributes of Toad lily
Lifespan
Perennial
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
White
Purple
Violet
Fruit Color
Brown
Green
Stem Color
Green
White
Purple
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Toad lily

Family
Lily
Icon allow
Species
Toad lily (Tricyrtis hirta)
Learn More About the Toad lily

Distribution Map of Toad lily

Toad lily is naturally found in the woodlands and shaded rock ledges of Eastern Asia. It has been successfully introduced to various temperate regions globally, where it is now commonly cultivated in gardens for its ornamental value. While it thrives typically in habitats with similar conditions to its native environment, its cultivation has expanded toad lily's presence beyond its original geographic boundaries.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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