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Toad Lily

Tricyrtis

Basic Details

Description

Floral Formula

Features

Translations

Basic Details

NameToad Lily

DescriptionExotic shade-loving perennial featuring intricate, orchid-like flowers covered in purple or maroon spots and speckles that resemble a toad's skin, giving the plant its unusual name. The star-shaped blooms appear in late summer through fall when few other shade plants flower, creating a stunning display along arching stems. Thrives in moist, shaded woodland conditions where most flowering plants struggle, making it invaluable for shade gardens.

FamilyLiliaceae

GenusTricyrtis

TribeLilieae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ☿ P3+3 A3+3 G(3)

Ebracteate (no bracts), Actinomorphic (radially symmetrical), bisexual, 6 free tepals in 2 whorls of 3 (perianth - no distinction between sepals and petals), 6 free stamens in 2 whorls of 3, 3 fused carpels with superior ovary

Features

Name 'Toad Lily' refers to the spotted, speckled flowers that resemble a toad's skin. 'Tricyrtis' comes from Greek 'tri' (three) and 'kyrtos' (curved), referring to the three outer petals with nectar-producing sacs at their base. 'Hirta' means hairy in Latin, describing the fuzzy stems and leaves
Intricate star-shaped flowers 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across with six tepals covered in purple, maroon, or pink spots and speckles on white or pale purple background. Complex flower structure with upright pistil and prominent stamens creates orchid-like appearance. Flowers appear in clusters along upper stems
Herbaceous perennial that blooms late summer through fall (August-October), filling the shade garden when most plants have finished flowering. Dies back to ground in winter, re-emerging in spring from rhizomes. Arching stems create graceful, fountain-like form
Grows 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall with 1-2 foot (30-60 cm) spread. Lifespan of 10-15 years or more with minimal care. Propagated by division in spring or from seed (blooms in 2-3 years from seed). Slowly spreads by rhizomes to form clumps
Native to moist woodlands and stream banks of eastern Asia, including Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, and Himalayas. Different species native to specific regions - T. hirta from Japan, T. formosana from Taiwan. Now cultivated in shade gardens worldwide
Thrives in partial to full shade with 2-4 hours of dappled sunlight or morning sun. Requires consistently moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Performs best with cool, humid conditions. Mulch helps retain moisture and keep roots cool
Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies despite blooming late in season. Deer and rabbit resistant. Excellent cut flower with vase life of 5-7 days. Combines well with ferns, hostas, and other shade perennials in woodland gardens
Low maintenance once established. Rarely bothered by pests or diseases. Slow to establish but long-lived. Flowers may be damaged by early frost in northern regions. Best planted in groups of 3-5 for visual impact

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificTricyrtis

English (Alternate)Hairy Toad Lily, Japanese Toad Lily, Amethyst Toad Lily, Formosan Toad Lily, Speckled Toad Lily

Hindiटोड लिली (Toad Lily), टोंका-दालना (Tricyrtis)

Tamilடிரிசிர்டிஸ் (Tricyrtis)

Teluguట్రైసిర్టిస్ (Tricyrtis), ట్రైసిర్టిస్ మొక్క (Tricyrtis mokka)

Malayalamമാക്രി ലില്ലി (Maakri Lily)

Kannadaಟೈಸರ್ಟಿಗಳು (Tricyrtis)

Sanskritట్రైసిర్టిస్ (Tricyrtis), ట్రైసిర్టిస్ మొక్క (Tricyrtis mokka)

Bengaliটোড লিলি ফুল (Tod Lily Phool), টোড লিলি পদ্মফুল (Tod Lily Poddophul)

Frenchfleur de lys crapaud

Russianжабья лилия (zháb'ya líliya), трициртис (tricyrtis)

Spanishla flor del lirio sapo

GermanKrötenlilie

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula

% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G₂

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.