Toad lily Tricyrtis formosana
ABOUT
Toad lily, as Tricyrtis formosana is commonly known, is a unique and visually striking perennial plant. Its distinctive feature is the orchid-like flowers that bloom in late summer to fall. Each blossom is intricately spotted and speckled, reminiscent of the amphibian from which it derives its common name. The petals, usually in shades of white to pale lilac, have deep purple or blue freckle-like spots scattered throughout. The flowers have six petal-like segments, giving them a somewhat star-shaped appearance, and the center of the bloom consists of a cluster of prominent stamens that add to the ornamental appeal. The leaves of the toad lily are glossy and dark green, often times with a slightly hairy or fuzzy texture. They are arranged in an alternating pattern along the stem and can have either smooth or slightly serrated edges. The foliage tends to arch or cascade, adding to the plant's overall elegance and textural interest. Toad lily usually grows in clumps and is beloved not only for its striking flowers but also for the lush and tropical look of its foliage. This combination of features makes the toad lily a favored choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of exotic flair to shaded or woodland garden settings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Taiwanese Toad Lily, Formosa Toad Lily, Toad Lily
Common names
Tricyrtis formosana var. grandiflora, Tricyrtis stolonifera.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Toad Lily (Tricyrtis formosana) is not generally considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or significant reports of poisoning from consuming or contacting the Toad Lily. As with many plants, it's prudent to avoid ingestion due to the potential for allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort, but it does not have a reputation for being hazardous.
To pets
As with humans, the Toad Lily is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets. While it's always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with the Toad Lily. If a pet were to ingest part of a Toad Lily plant, the most likely consequence would be mild gastrointestinal upset, as is common with the ingestion of non-food items by animals. However, always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested any potentially harmful plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Taiwan
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - Tricyrtis formosana, commonly known as Toad Lily, has unique and exotic-looking flowers that add visual interest to any garden.
- Shade Tolerance - Toad Lily is well-suited for shaded areas where many other flowering plants struggle to thrive.
- Late Season Blooms - It flowers late in the season, offering color and vibrancy in autumn when most other plants have finished blooming.
- Attracts Pollinators - The flowers attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Low Maintenance - Toad Lily requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for busy gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Deer Resistant - This plant is not typically a favorite among deer, so it’s less likely to be damaged by wildlife in areas with high deer populations.
- Versatility - Toad Lily can be planted in borders, woodland gardens, or as an understory plant, offering versatile design possibilities.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Tricyrtis formosana has been used in traditional medicine to reduce inflammation.
- Analgesic: There are indications that it may have pain-relieving properties.
- Antipyretic: The plant has been used historically to treat fever.
- Hepatoprotective: Compounds in Tricyrtis formosana might offer some protection to the liver.
- Antioxidant: The plant contains antioxidants that can help in preventing oxidative stress.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Tricyrtis formosana, commonly known as toad lily, often serves as a muse for botanical artists and illustrators due to its intricate and unique flower patterns.
- Garden Focal Point: With its striking flowers, toad lily can act as a dramatic focal point in shade gardens, adding visual interest during late summer and fall when many other shade plants have ceased blooming.
- Photography Subject: The complex beauty of toad lily blossoms makes them a popular subject for macro photography, captivating enthusiasts with the detailed spotting and orchid-like appearance.
- Educational Tool: Botany educators may use toad lily plants to demonstrate the diversity of flower adaptations and pollination mechanisms in angiosperms.
- Culinary Experimentation: Although not widely recognized as an edible, some adventurous culinary artists may experiment with the use of toad lily blossoms as a unique, decorative edible garnish.
- Theme Gardens: Toad lily can be included in "fairy" or "woodland" themed gardens to add an element of magical whimsy, thanks to its exotic-looking flowers that can inspire thoughts of enchanted forests.
- Floral Arrangements: Some florists use toad lily blooms in tropical or exotic flower arrangements to add unexpected texture and pattern to their designs.
- Butterfly and Pollinator Gardens: Toad lilies can contribute to butterfly and pollinator gardens, attracting various species with their nectar-rich flowers in the later part of the growing season.
- Plant Collecting: Enthusiasts of unusual plants may seek out different cultivars of Tricyrtis formosana for their collections, as there are many with varied flower colors and forms.
- Companion Planting: Gardeners sometimes use toad lilies as companion plants for ferns and hostas, where they provide a contrasting flower form against the more subdued foliage of their companions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Toad Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Toad Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Exotic Beauty: Tricyrtis formosana, commonly known as Toad Lily, is often associated with exotic beauty due to its unique and intricate flowers that set it apart from more common blossoms.
- Mystery and Fascination: The speckled and unusual appearance of the Toad Lily's flowers can symbolize the mysterious and the fascinating aspects of nature, drawing interest and curiosity.
- Uniqueness: Symbolizing individuality and the rare, Toad Lilies represent the value and beauty of being different and standing out from the crowd.
- Elegance in the Shadows: Since Toad Lilies thrive in shaded areas, they can symbolize finding elegance and grace in darkness or in the overlooked places of life.
WaterToad lily, commonly known as Tricyrtis formosana, requires consistent moisture and should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically equates to once or twice a week. During active growth in spring and summer, watering may be more frequent, whereas in winter, less water is needed. It is important to provide a deep watering that evenly saturates the soil without waterlogging it. For pot-grown toad lilies, depending on the size of the pot, a general guideline is to use about half a gallon of water per watering session to ensure the root zone is sufficiently moistened.
LightToad lily thrives best in partial shade, favoring conditions that mimic the dappled sunlight of its native woodland habitats. The ideal spot for a toad lily would be a location where it receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or bright indirect light throughout the day. Direct, harsh sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the foliage and affect flowering.
TemperatureToad lilies prefer temperatures ranging between 50°F and 75°F, which are ideal for their growth and flowering. They can tolerate a certain degree of cold, down to about 20°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below this may damage the plant. The toad lily's temperate nature means it does not fare well in extreme heat, so it should be protected from temperatures exceeding 85°F.
PruningToad lilies require minimal pruning, mainly to remove any spent flowers, dead or damaged foliage, which helps maintain their appearance and encourages further blooming. The best time for pruning toad lilies is after flowering, in late fall or early winter before the plant enters dormancy. Pruning is typically done on an as-needed basis rather than at regular intervals.
CleaningAs needed
SoilToad lily (Tricyrtis formosana) thrives in a well-draining, humus-rich soil mix with a pH of 5.5 to 7. A perfect recipe would be a blend of two parts peat or coir, one part perlite, and one part compost to provide the necessary nutrients and aeration. Regularly check the soil pH to ensure it stays slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingToad lilies typically require repotting every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It is best to repot in the spring before the new growth starts for optimal recovery and growth.
Humidity & MistingToad lily prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 50% to 70%. Regularly misting the plant or placing it in a naturally humid environment, such as a bathroom, can help maintain the required humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place toad lily in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant toad lily in partial shade, water regularly and enrich soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleTricyrtis formosana, commonly known as Toad Lily, begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome during winter. In early spring, new shoots emerge and develop into stems with alternating leaves. Throughout summer, the plant continues to grow and may produce offsets that can be divided to propagate new plants. By late summer to early fall, the Toad Lily blooms with unique, spotted flowers often in shades of purple, white, or pink. After flowering, the plant sets seed which can be dispersed to generate new plants the following year. As temperatures drop in late fall, the above-ground foliage of the Toad Lily dies back, and the plant re-enters dormancy until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Tricyrtis formosana, commonly known as the toad lily, can be propagated using various methods, but division of the rhizomes or clumps is the most popular and effective method for gardeners. This is best done in the spring, as new growth is emerging. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of toad lilies and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one growth point. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spaced approximately 12 to 24 inches apart to allow for spread. Water the transplanted divisions well to help them establish. This method of propagation is simple and usually results in a high success rate, allowing gardeners to quickly increase their stock of toad lilies.
