Trillium maculatum Raf.

Spotted Trillium; Spotted Wakerobin; Mottled Trillium

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Spotted Trillium is a native perennial in the Bunchflower family (Melanthiaceae). It occurs primarily in central and southern Alabama. Spotted Trillium occurs in hardwood forests, in ravines, in rocky woods, on cedar glades, and along streams. It is a perennial from a horizontal rhizome. Usually a single scape is produced from each rhizome. The stems are 8-12 inches high. Each stem has a single whorl of three leaves at its apex. The leaves are ovate to elliptic in outline with a rounded or shortly acuminate apex. The leaves are mottled in dark green and silver green. The flower is sessile just above the leaves. Each flower has three sepals that are horizontal with recurved tips. The sepals are greenish on the outer surface and maroon on the inner surface. There are three erect petals. The petals are spathulate (spoon shaped). Petals are usually maroon, but rare individuals may have petals that are brownish toward the base and yellow at the apex, or completely clear lemon yellow. The fruit is a fleshy berry-like capsule. Each seed has an oily white elaiosome attached on one side. The elaiosome is rich in oils, lipids, and proteins. It is eaten by ants who discard the seed, aiding in its dispersal. Spotted Trillium is occasionally available from wildflower nurseries. Only purchase plants from sources that have grown them and not collected them from the wild. Spotted Trillium prefers full to partial shade and a mesic soil rich in organic matter. Spotted Trillium is more tolerant of poor sandy soils and dryer conditions than other members of the genus.--A. Diamond

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Native

Freeman, J.D. Revision of Trillium Subgenus Phyllantherum (Liliaceae). Brittonia 27: 1-62.