This trillium species, sometimes commonly called bloody butcher, has unbranched, naked stems topped by three, evenly-spaced, lance-shaped, dark green leaves. Leaves are mottled with purple. The flower features purple to brownish-purple, erect petals with three reflexed (turned down) sepals. Blooms appear to be stalkless atop the center of the three-leaf whorl. The clump-forming plants develop from thick, underground rhizomes and will spread slowly if left undisturbed. Foliage will usually die to the ground by mid-summer, particularly if the soil is allowed to dry out.
Additional Information:
The trillium is a simple, graceful perennial that is one of the most familiar and beloved of the spring woodland wildflowers. Leaves, petals and sepals all come in groups of three.
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USDA Hardiness Zone 4-9
Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
A classic spring-blooming, woodland wildflower. Excellent when massed in a shaded woodland garden, naturalized area or wildflower garden. Mixes well with other spring wildflowers and ferns. Not recommended for the perennial border.
Good Companions
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
(Arisaema atrorubens),
Sharp-lobed Hepatica
(Hepatica acutiloba),
Black Cohosh
(Actaea podocarpa),
Virginia Bluebells
(Mertensia virginica),
Goat's Beard
(Aruncus dioicus)
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Characteristics & Attributes
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USFS MO Ecological Map |
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