toad lily

Description:

is a hardy perennial in the family Liliaceae that is native to Japan, growing on shaded rocky cliffs and stream banks. The flowers are 2.5 cm (0.98 in) wide with six whitish to pale purple tepals that have dark purple spots. The flowers of toad lilies have six petals, held in an upright position. The petals and stigmas usually have showy speckles, ranging from red to purple. The flowers are only about the size of a quarter, but are numerous. The moderately fuzzy leaves of toad lilies are lance-shaped, and some varieties have attractive brown mottling on the foliage. The foliage is late to emerge in the spring, so avoid treading on the landscape where you’ve planted toad lilies

Habitat:

Toad lilies like part sun to full shade.

Notes:

In spite of their petite size, toad lily blossoms are an important source of nectar for wildlife. They attract butterflies, and hummingbirds appreciate this late summer source of energy as they prepare to migrate south. You can propagate your toad lilies via seed or division. The seed requires stratification, which you can accomplish by sowing them in pots outdoors in the fall. Germination, and usually flowering, occur the next season.