Red Trillium

Trillium erectum

I’ve always thought it funny that Red Trillium’s scientific name is Trillium erectum— its flower stalk is notably flaccid. Unlike the flowers of White and Painted Trillium, which sit on upright stalks, Red Trillium’s stalk leans, its flower drooping to the side.

The flower angle likely has something to do with the pollinators it attracts: beetles, flies, and other carrion-seeking insects. Trillium erectum’s red color and characteristic stink mimics rotting flesh (a strategy skunk cabbage and wild ginger also employ). It makes sense for the flower to face downwards towards these ground-dwelling pollinators, then, so they see the meat-like color and decide to investigate.

As the name implies, all of Trillium erectum’s above-ground parts occur in threes. Three each of leaves, sepals, petals, and their reproductive parts occur in multiples of three: six stamens, a six-lobed ovary, a three-part stigma. Like many of the other ephemerals I’ve written about, Red Trillium relies on ants for seed dispersal.

I’ve always felt Red Trillium to possess a sinister sort of beauty, its deep bloody red in stark contrast to the dull leaf litter. The maroon bloom appears mouth-like, pale stamen-teeth lining the center. I don’t know how this association came to be but I often picture the evil queen from Snow White when I see one.

If you come across Trillium erectum, you owe yourself a whiff. They smell like a wet dog, but pleasantly so— there’s a refreshing, floral note that lingers after the initial scent.

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All illustrations and photos are my own.

Note: This is the eigth in a series of posts on spring ephemeral wildflowers Previous posts:

• Skunk Cabbage

• Hepatica

• Bloodroot

• Blue Cohosh

• Dutchman’s Breeches

• Yellow Trout Lily

• Carolina Spring Beauty

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