Japanese Toad Lily Tricyrtis lasiocarpa

Toad Lily is a perennial flowering plant that is in the Liliaceae or lily family. The plant comes from Eastern Asia from China, Korea and Japan in the north as far east as Nepal and south to the Philippines. It is found growing in moist shady locations from the Himalayas to tropical forest. Its favorite sites are shady groves, openings at the edge of forest or along creeks and trails. Its genus name comes from the Greek – tri which means 'three' and kyrtos which means 'humped'. The name refers to swollen bases of the tepals which are nectaries. The specific epithet come from the Latin – lasio which means 'wooly' and carpa which means 'fruit'.

As long as this plant is living in semi-shaded, slightly moist, rich soil it will be happy. Trim back dead material at the end of the season.

This plant can be propagated from seed, division and stem cuttings. Each is a little tricky. The seeds are so fine you must sow them as soon as they are ripe (October, November in North Carolina). Do not cover the seed. In order to succeed with a clump of the plant, you must ensure that you include next year's stem growth bud. Each stem lives only one year and a bud for next year is produced underground. Cuttings are made by cutting one stem to the ground. Cut it into 3 to 4 inch lengths with a leaf at the top and bare stem below. Insert the entire stem into rooting hormone right up to the base of the leaf. Then place it on top of the soil, and put the pot somewhere the leaf will stay moist. New plants develop in the leaf axil then send roots down into the soil.

Toad lilies carry very interesting flowers which have slightly twisted tepals. The coloring is white with heavy reddish-purple spots on the petals and a yellow throat. Because the flower is so striking, place it where it can be seen. Place it at the edge of the woods, along a lightly shaded stream or drainage area. They make good cut flowers.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Lack of proper moisture and shade can result in the foliage turning brown, giving the plant a ratty appearance.