Plant · GBIF taxon 2771287
Scented hosta
Hosta plantagineaAlso known as Fragrant Plantain Lily, August Lily
Scented hostas form expansive clumps of broad, glossy green leaves that dominate woodland understories and shade gardens. Unlike most members of its genus, this species opens pure white trumpet flowers in late afternoon, releasing an intense fragrance resembling orange blossoms to attract nocturnal pollinators. Long lived and remarkably shade tolerant, it thrives for decades while spreading slowly through fleshy underground rhizomes.
FragrantPerennialShade Plant
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Slugs and Snails
- White-Tailed Deer
- Voles
ThreatsSlug damage, deer herbivory, and native habitat disturbance
HabitatsMountain forest understories, shaded stream banks, and gardens
Life span20 to 30+ years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAsparagales
- FamilyAsparagaceae
- GenusHosta
- SpeciesHosta plantaginea
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested; keep curious pets away from plant foliage.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains steroidal saponins that cause gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, and lethargy when ingested by dogs and cats.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by broad, glossy heart-shaped leaves and tall spikes of fragrant white trumpet flowers opening in late summer.
- What to do
- Plant in areas inaccessible to grazing pets and prevent domestic animals from chewing foliage.
Responsible observation
- Garden Placement: Plant in moist, rich soil within partial shade to protect leaves from sun scorch.
- Fragrance Timing: Visit flowers during dusk or early evening when the blooms release their sweetest perfume.
Pollinator (c) Michelle W. （鍾偉瑋）, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michelle W. （鍾偉瑋） · cc-by
Herbivore Thomas Schoch / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Marco Mussita, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Marco Mussita · cc-by
Close Relative Epibase / CC BY 2.5 · cc-by
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