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red trillium

Trillium erectum

The red trillium is a beautiful flower that blooms in spring. It has three dark red petals and grows in shady forests, making it a special sight to see!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The red trillium has three striking, deep reddish-purple petals that stand above three broad, diamond-shaped leaves arranged in a single whorl. Its unique 'threes' pattern makes it easily distinguishable from other forest floor plants.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderLilialesFamilyMelanthiaceaeGenusTrillium
red trillium
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
red trillium

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Each plant grows from an underground root, allowing it to live for decades!

It takes years for a young trillium to bloom for the first time!

Red trilliums can surprise you with rare white or yellow flowers!

Some call it 'stinking Benjamin' due to its foul scent, attracting flies!

Special abilities

Ability

Smelly Attraction

Red trillium flowers release a foul odor to attract flies and beetles, which are vital for its pollination.

Ability

Ant Courier Service

Its seeds have a fatty coating that ants love, helping them carry and plant seeds in new locations.

Ability

Perennial Persistence

This plant has a long-living underground root (rhizome) that allows it to reappear each spring.

Measurements & details

Height
15-40 cm
Spread
15-30 cm
Flower Size
3-6 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Common Green Bottle Fly

Lucilia sericata

Attracted by flower scent

depends on

Conehead Ant

Aphaenogaster picea

Disperses its seeds

eaten by

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Browses foliage occasionally

Traits

Also known as

Purple trilliumWake-robin

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not pick flowers; they are best enjoyed in nature!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is red trillium?

15-40 cm

How wide does red trillium spread?

15-30 cm

How big are the flowers on red trillium?

3-6 cm

When does red trillium bloom?

Spring

Is red trillium edible?

No

Is red trillium toxic?

Mild

What is red trillium's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is red trillium pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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