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Trillium stamineum

Previously known as:

  • Trillium stamineum f. luteum
Phonetic Spelling
TRIL-ee-um stam-IN-ee-um
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Twisted Trillium is found on a narrow north and south axis from west-central Tennessee south to the upper coastal plain along the Alabama and Mississippi boundary. They inhabit rich hardwood forests, in ravines, along streams and creeks, and in prairie woods.

The flower is deep maroon in color with a foul odor for attracting flies and beetles. The petals have a distinct twist near the tips and are horizontal. Plant in a woodland setting for naturalization in part to full shade in humus-rich sandy well-drained alkaline soils. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems.  Slugs and snails are occasional pests and leaf spot, rust and smut are occasional disease problems. It does not transplant well.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#purple flowers#shade garden#showy leaves#stream banks#moist soil#spreading#rich soils#rhizomes#clumping#naturalized area#maroon flowers#malodorous#partial shade tolerant#HS302#mottled leaves#wildflower#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#purple flowers#shade garden#showy leaves#stream banks#moist soil#spreading#rich soils#rhizomes#clumping#naturalized area#maroon flowers#malodorous#partial shade tolerant#HS302#mottled leaves#wildflower#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Trillium
    Species:
    stamineum
    Family:
    Melanthiaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Trilliums have been used in herbal medicine
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southeastern United States
    Distribution:
    AL, MS, TN
    Wildlife Value:
    Attracts flies and beetles for pollination
    Edibility:
    EDIBLE PARTS: Young, unfolding leaves HARVEST TIME: Only collect leaves from areas you know have NOT been treated with pesticides. SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES: Wash leaves in warm water to remove dirt and debris. Do not use dish detergent or any type of sanitizer. These products can leave a residue. Cook in boiling, salted water for ten minutes and serve like greens. SOURCE: Crowhurst, A. 1972. The Weed Cookbook. Lancer Books, Inc. New York, 190 pp.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Poisonous
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    6-parted berry-like capsule with seeds that are dispersed by ants in th summer.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Black
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Cup
    Flower Petals:
    2-3 rays/petals
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    The petals are a very deep maroon to blackish-red, and purple-streaked. Waxy recurved petals are horizontal and twisted. The large stamens are dark purple. The carrion-scented flower attracts flies and beetles for pollination. Blooms April to May
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Variegated
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Whorled
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    A whorl of 3 mottled ovate to ovate-lanceolate green sessile bracts are 2.5 to 3 inches long and 1.3-2 inches wide
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Round
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    Smooth round green to purple stem
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Moths
    Pollinators
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Unknown
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Toxicity unknown, but caution because of its relationship with known toxic plants.
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Fruits
    Roots