Red Trillium; Red Wakerobin
Family: Melanthiaceae
(Bunchflower Family)
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Hardiness Zones: 4-8
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Height: 12-18 inches
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Spread: 9-12 inches
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Bloom Time: April to June
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Bloom: solitary, nodding, 2 1/2 inch wide flower with 3
red/purple petals curving slightly backward; flower atop a stalk above a whorl
of 3 broad ovate leaves (bracts), each
up to 7 inches in length; foul-scented
flower matures to fleshy, berry-like fruit
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Light: part to full shade; requires
ample sunlight in early spring
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Soil: deep, rich, humusy, acid to
alkaline; moist but well-drained
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Moisture: medium; requires consistent
moisture
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Use: shaded woodland and wildflower
gardens, moist shady borders, will naturalize
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Care: low maintenance; benefits from
leaf mulch in fall
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Concerns: no serious insect or disease
problems; watch for slugs and snails; can be difficult to propagate from seed
(5 to 10 years from seed to bloom)
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Native to: Eastern North America
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Notes: bloom pollinated by carrion
flies, thus also known as "Stinking Benjamin"; if undisturbed, will
spread slowly with stems arising from underground rhizomes; does not transplant
well from the wild; used by early herbalists to treat gangrene; berries eaten
by birds and mammals
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Supplier: The Flower Factory
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Teaching Garden
Location & Code: Naturalistic Garden H156
Content
produced through:
Dane County
UWEX Master Gardener Volunteer Program
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Dane County UWEX Horticulture
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