Trillium erectum
birthroot
A perennial to 50cm in height, with erect stems each bearing a whorl of three broadly ovate leaves and a solitary, terminal, nodding deep maroon, occasionally white, flowers 5-9cm across in spring
Other common names
American shamrockbathroot
see morebethroot
bloody nose
bumblebee root
death root
dog flower
ground lily
Indian balm
lamb's quarters
lamb's succory
orange blossoms
red Benjamin
stinking Benjamin
herb Paris
nosebleed
true love
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Melanthiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Trillium are rhizomatous, herbaceous perennials with erect stems bearing a whorl of ovate or diamond-shaped leaves, with one or more erect or nodding flowers borne at the stem apex
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in deep, moist but well-drained, humus-rich, preferably acid to neutral soil in deep or partial shade. Mulch in autumn with leaf mould. See trillium cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed in pots in a shady cold frame as soon as seed is ripe; takes 5-7 years to reach flowering size. Propagate rhizomes by division after flowering or cut out the growing point from the rhizome after flowering, which stimulates the formation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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