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Trillium stamineum

Propeller Toadshade

Plant Type:

SHADE PERENNIALS

Trillium stamineum - The Propeller Toadshade forms narrow dark chocolate burgundy horizontally-set petals with a twist that open from beaked buds atop green to purple stems in spring. Burgundy infused sepals also sometimes twist. Stamens are also dark burgundy but stand erect. Some populations may emit a spicy fragrance though you'll have to get on your hands and knees to detect it. Soft marbling in the spring foliage gradually lessens until midsummer dormancy. Part, dappled to open shade in woodland soil. Trillium may arrive bare root or potted.


Height:

10-15 in

Colors:

Dark Red

Zone:

4 to 9
What is my hardiness zone?

Characteristics and Attributes for Trillium stamineum

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Spring

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer

Light

  • Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
  • Dappled Shade
  • Shade

Attributes

  • Woodland
  • Massing
  • Rock Garden
  • Specimen
  • Natural Garden

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Slow

Soil

  • Fertile
  • Draining

Origins

  • Southeastern U.S.

Propagated By

  • Bare Root
  • Division

Genus Overview: Trillium

Common Name: Toadshade

Trillium is a magnificent woodland genus; most of the 49 taxa (49 according to Don Jacobs whose authority I accept) grace us with their presence right here in North America, a handful in East Asia and nowhere else. They are spring bloomers with many becoming dormant by midsummer. Their structure is basic, this from “American Treasures” by Don L. Jacobs and Rob L. Jacobs: “Adult individuals produce no basal foliage, only a whorl of 3 leaves at the stem summit. Furthermore, all floral parts are in whorls of three: 3 sepals, 3 petals, and 3 seed-bearing carpels jointed into a single pistil with 3 pollen-receptor stigmas.” Henceforth, the “Tri” in Trillium makes simple and elegant sense. Be assured: none of our woodland plants are wild collected. Site Trillium in fertile draining soil in part sun to open shade. They are tolerant of dry summer shade. All our plants are offered by division of their slow growing rhizomes.