Propeller Toadshade Trillium stamineum
Other Common Name(s):
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
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Twisted trillium is an herbaceous perennial wildflower in the trillium family (Melanthiaceae). It is found on a narrow north-south axis from the interior plateau of Kentucky and west-central Tennessee to the upper coastal plain along the Alabama and Mississippi boundary. The species epithet refers to the stamens, the large size of which was noted in the original description of the species.
Plant in a woodland setting for naturalization in part to full shade in humus-rich sandy well-drained alkaline soils.
It inhabits rich hardwood forests, in ravines, along streams and creeks, and in prairie woods,especially over limestone. The flower is deep maroon (rarely yellow) with a foul odor for attracting flies and beetles. The petals have a distinct twist near the tips and are horizontal.
This species is appropriate for woodland or shade gardens, or pollinator gardens.
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:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Poisonous
- Wildflower
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Erect
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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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
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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.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Black
- Gold/Yellow
- 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 (rarely yellow). 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
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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
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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
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Shade Garden
- Design Feature:
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Moths
- Pollinators
