Red Trillium (Trillium erectum)
Trillium erectum, commonly known as Red Trillium, is a native perennial wildflower found in rich, moist deciduous woodlands and forested slopes in parts of northern and eastern Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soils and deep shade to dappled sunlight, making it a classic spring ephemeral in mature woodland ecosystems.
This elegant woodland plant typically emerges in early to mid-spring. It features a single whorl of three broad, mottled green leaves atop a smooth stalk, with a solitary, three-petaled flower blooming directly above. The flower is a deep maroon to purplish-red, with a somewhat pungent scent that attracts carrion flies and beetles for pollination. Red Trillium generally grows 0.75 to 2 feet.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Trillium erectum is a prized addition to shade gardens, woodland restorations, and native wildflower displays. Though slow to establish and sensitive to disturbance, it provides early-season beauty and supports native insect life. It pairs well with other spring ephemerals like Virginia Bluebells, Wild Ginger, and Bloodroot, forming a rich tapestry of color and texture in natural woodland settings. Due to its vulnerability to habitat loss and deer browsing, it is best planted in protected areas and sourced from responsible native plant nurseries.
Trillium erectum, commonly known as Red Trillium, is a native perennial wildflower found in rich, moist deciduous woodlands and forested slopes in parts of northern and eastern Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soils and deep shade to dappled sunlight, making it a classic spring ephemeral in mature woodland ecosystems.
This elegant woodland plant typically emerges in early to mid-spring. It features a single whorl of three broad, mottled green leaves atop a smooth stalk, with a solitary, three-petaled flower blooming directly above. The flower is a deep maroon to purplish-red, with a somewhat pungent scent that attracts carrion flies and beetles for pollination. Red Trillium generally grows 0.75 to 2 feet.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Trillium erectum is a prized addition to shade gardens, woodland restorations, and native wildflower displays. Though slow to establish and sensitive to disturbance, it provides early-season beauty and supports native insect life. It pairs well with other spring ephemerals like Virginia Bluebells, Wild Ginger, and Bloodroot, forming a rich tapestry of color and texture in natural woodland settings. Due to its vulnerability to habitat loss and deer browsing, it is best planted in protected areas and sourced from responsible native plant nurseries.
Trillium erectum, commonly known as Red Trillium, is a native perennial wildflower found in rich, moist deciduous woodlands and forested slopes in parts of northern and eastern Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soils and deep shade to dappled sunlight, making it a classic spring ephemeral in mature woodland ecosystems.
This elegant woodland plant typically emerges in early to mid-spring. It features a single whorl of three broad, mottled green leaves atop a smooth stalk, with a solitary, three-petaled flower blooming directly above. The flower is a deep maroon to purplish-red, with a somewhat pungent scent that attracts carrion flies and beetles for pollination. Red Trillium generally grows 0.75 to 2 feet.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Trillium erectum is a prized addition to shade gardens, woodland restorations, and native wildflower displays. Though slow to establish and sensitive to disturbance, it provides early-season beauty and supports native insect life. It pairs well with other spring ephemerals like Virginia Bluebells, Wild Ginger, and Bloodroot, forming a rich tapestry of color and texture in natural woodland settings. Due to its vulnerability to habitat loss and deer browsing, it is best planted in protected areas and sourced from responsible native plant nurseries.
Bloom: mid- to late spring
Habitats: rich deciduous woodlands that are more or less mesic and wooded slopes
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist
Plant type (height): forb (0.75 to 2 feet)
Requirements: dappled sunlight or light shade during spring, shade during summer
Soil: loam with decaying organic matter