Toad Lily
Tricyrtis hirtafam. Lamiaceae
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Pl. CDA3 — Tricyrtis hirta
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IOverview
Overview
Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta) is a perennial herb native to Japan, thriving in moist environments with partial sun or shade. This member of the Lamiaceae family can grow up to 0.8 meters tall and belongs to the Tricyrtidaceae family. Its distinctive features include small white flowers adorned with purple spots that bloom in late summer and early autumn, adding a unique touch to any landscape. Toad Lily is known for its edible leaves and shoots, which can be prepared raw or cooked and used in salads or as vegetables. It thrives in light to medium soil types and prefers consistent moisture. Hardy in zones 5-9, this plant is suitable for gardens where full sun is limited to partial shade. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist while providing ample sunlight. Propagate through division of mature clumps or by seed. While not medicinal, Toad Lily's edible parts make it a valuable addition to both ornamental and culinary gardens.
Quick answers
What is Toad Lily?
Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta) is a perennial herb native to Japan, thriving in moist environments with partial sun or shade. This member of the Lamiaceae family can grow up to 0.8 meters tall and belongs to the Tricyrtidaceae family.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta) thrives in partial sun to full sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light or medium in texture. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and can grow up to 0.8 meters tall as a perennial forb/herb. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist while providing ample sunlight. Propagate through division of mature clumps or by seed. The edible parts include leaves and shoots, making this plant both ornamental and useful in the garden.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.8 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Toad Lily for the first time
8steps
Toad Lily is a forgiving plant for beginners, making it an excellent choice for your first gardening project.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Toad Lily plant or seeds, a pot with drainage holes if container planting, and good quality soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil that is light and medium in texture. Ensure containers have adequate drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from a nursery, or sow seeds directly into the ground or pot. Keep moist until germination.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and place in partial shade to prevent sunburn. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light to partial sunlight, keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and mulch around the plant to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth. Do not harvest edible parts.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough shade during hot weather.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The leaves and shoots of Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta) are edible. They can be prepared in various ways—raw or cooked—and added to salads or used as a vegetable. Skip the detailed preparation methods since specific instructions were not provided in the data.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 1 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Japan
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Lamiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Lamiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
Native to
XII
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