Trillium recurvatum (Red Trillium, Butcher’s blood) Melanthiaceae

 

The trillium is a simple, graceful perennial that is one of the most familiar and beloved of the spring woodland wildflowers. Leaves, petals and sepals all come in groups of three. This species, commonly called “butcher’s blood,” is a Missouri native that grows to 15″ high. 

Physical characteristics

The Trillium Recurvatum derives from the Liliaceae family and is a native perrenial plant.

Leaf: This trillium has the usual arrangement of 3 leaves; they are 1 1/2–2 1/2″ long, often mottled, elliptic or narrowly oval, and broader towards the tip.

Flower | Seeds: The flower is erect and stalkless. The petals of the flower are maroon and stiff, arched above the six black stamens which curve over the pistil. Three stiff sepals bend down around the maroon stem. The seeds include structures known as elaisomes, to promote dispersal by ants and other foraging insects.

Life span: Trilliums are slow to develop because of the short period of active growth. Trillium recurvatums can live up to 25 years or longer and usually do not flower until they are several years old.

Ecological characteristics

They bloom in April & May for 2-3 weeks and are found growing wild in the understory of deciduous woods in the upland temperate forest of the Midwest and eastern United States. Most species are easily grown in moist, humus rich soil in light to partial shade.

Distribution range: It has the seventh greatest distributional range of the trilliums.

Importance to the ecosystem