Red Trillium
Trillium erectum
Trillium erectum, the red trillium, also known as wake robin, purple trillium, bethroot, or stinking benjamin, is a species of flowering plant in the family Melanthiaceae. The plant takes its common name "wake robin" by analogy with the European robin, which has a red breast heralding spring. Likewise Trillium erectum is a spring ephemeral plant whose life-cycle is synchronized with that of the forests in which it lives.
Quick Facts
| Scientific name | Trillium erectum |
| Family | Melanthiaceae |
| Height | 1-2 ft |
| Bloom time | Apr-May |
| Sun | Part shade to shade |
| Moisture | Mesic |
| Soil | Rich loam |
| Wildlife value | Smells of carrion and is fly-pollinated; also called stinking benjamin |
Mentioned In
Image Credits
- Geoffrey.landis (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- The Cosmonaut (CC BY-SA 2.5 ca)