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Nature Center of Charleston
Trillium sessile L.
Toadshade, Red trillium, Wake-robin
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
USDA Symbol: trse2
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A thick rhizome sends up a 4-12 in. stem with three broadly oval leaves at the apex. Flower sepals are spreading and green while the petals are ascending and deep-maroon. The petals elongate slightly as the flower ages and gradually turn yellowish green. The stalkless flower is directly above the 3 whorled leaves and appears closed, an impression created by its narrow, erect petals.
The flower somewhat resembles Purple Trillium (T. erectum) but is distinguished by its lack of stalk and closed appearance. Several other stalkless species that appear closed are Little Sweet Betsy (T. cuneatum), an ill-scented southeastern species with large flowers up to 3 (7.5 cm) long and weakly mottled leaves; Yellow Trillium (T. luteum), in southern and midwestern areas, with yellow, lemon-scented flowers and mottled leaves; Green Wake-Robin (T. viride), also in southern and midwestern areas, with narrow, greenish, clawed petals up to 2 (5 cm) long; and Prairie Trillium (T. recurvatum), a midwestern plant with erect, clawed, maroon petals, drooping sepals, and mottled leaves.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: RedBloom Time: Apr
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , DC , IL , IN , KS , KY , MD , MI , MO , NC , NY , OH , OK , PA , TN , VA , WVNative Distribution: PA to IN & MO, s. to NC, AL & AR
Native Habitat: Stream, river banks. Moist, rich woods.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, rich soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Propagation
Description: Plant seed outdoors in fall and water if insufficient moisture occurs during the winter. Do not disturb seedlings the first growing season. To ensure success, plant numerous seeds and thin if necessary.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Pictures and sources for black trilliums
June 10, 2008
Do you have pictures and/or sources for Black Trilliums?
view the full question and answer
Native perennials for moist shade in Missouri
January 16, 2005
I live near Adrian, Mo (s of KC by an hour). I currently have a small hillside that is covered by trees and shaded all day and also seems to hold moisture really well. The hill seems to grow a littl...
view the full question and answer
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. LoughmillerSearch More Titles in Bibliography
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1987 VOL. 4, NO.1 - One Million Bequest Announced, Lady Bird Johnson On Celebrating Four Years, Spri...
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Trillium sessile in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Trillium sessile in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Trillium sessile
Metadata
Record Modified: 2010-06-11Research By: TWC Staff
