Life Cycle
Perennial
Plant Characteristics
Shade Perennial
Growth Habit
Clumping
Bloom Season
Late Summer
Flavour Profile
None
Suitable for
Outdoor
Seed Type
GMO-Free
Plant Type
Toad Lily
Planting Season
Spring
Fruit Size
None
Plant Height
2-3ft
Light Requirement
Part Shade
Water Needs
Average
Hardiness Zones
4-8
Container Garden
Yes
Plant Spacing
18in
Planting Depth
Surface
Growing Conditions
Moist Shade
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called "toad lily"?
Why is it called "toad lily"?
The name comes from the speckled purple spotting on its petals, which resembles toad skin patterning rather than any connection to actual toads.
Is a toad lily a true lily (Lilium)?
Is a toad lily a true lily (Lilium)?
No, it belongs to the Liliaceae family but is a different genus (Tricyrtis), so it's a lily relative rather than a true Lilium species.
Is toad lily toxic to cats like true lilies are?
Is toad lily toxic to cats like true lilies are?
Toad lily is a different genus from Lilium, the group responsible for severe cat toxicity, so it doesn't carry that same well-documented risk, though supervising pets around any new plant is still wise.
Is this an actual orchid, or does it just resemble one?
Is this an actual orchid, or does it just resemble one?
It's not a true orchid. Its flower shape is described as "orchid-like" purely due to visual resemblance, not botanical relation.
Why is this plant valued for late-season color?
Why is this plant valued for late-season color?
Its late summer to fall bloom time fills a gap when many shade perennials have already finished flowering, extending garden interest into autumn.
Does toad lily spread over time in a shade garden?
Does toad lily spread over time in a shade garden?
It gradually forms larger clumps through its clumping growth habit, making it useful for naturalizing a woodland bed over several seasons.