Tricyrtis macropoda aka Toad Lily

Tricyrtis macropoda is a perennial in the lily family. Common names include toad lily and speckled toad lily. Sources differ on its native range. Kew lists central and southern Japan as its home. Missouri Botanical Garden and Plants For A Future describe Chinese populations. Reported habitats include woods, grassy slopes, and cracks in rock. Plants For A Future records elevations of 2,625–7,874 feet [800–2,400 metres].

Garden plants reach about 2–2.5 feet [0.61–0.76 metres] tall. Their spread reaches about 2 feet [0.61 metres]. Underground rhizomes let plants form patches as they grow. Missouri Botanical Garden describes this spread as non-invasive. The dark green leaves have a glossy surface. Their shapes range from oval to long and narrow. Each leaf joins the stem directly or has a short stalk. Leaves reach 0.33–0.5 feet [0.10–0.15 metres] long. They keep their appeal through the growing season.

The small flowers open from August to September. They grow in branched clusters, chiefly at the stem tips. Each bloom measures about one inch across its length. Flower colour ranges from white to pale lavender. Dense purple spots mark the flowers and explain the name toad lily. Each flower has six showy tepals. This term covers the similar-looking petals and sepals. The fine flower markings reward a close view. Place plants where paths or borders bring them within sight.

Grow this plant in partial shade or full shade. Filtered light beneath trees also suits it well. It prefers moist soil with plenty of humus. Slightly acidic soil gives its preferred growing conditions. The soil should drain well but must not dry out. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA hardiness zones 5–8. It also rates the plant as easy to grow. Suitable settings include woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized areas. The flowers can also be cut for indoor use.

Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major pest or disease problems. Slugs and snails may still damage the leaves. Plants For A Future lists cooked leaves and young shoots as edible. It gives the plant a low food-use rating. That source reports no known hazards, but this is not proof of universal safety. It lists no known medicinal or other uses. Plants can be raised from seed or divided in spring.