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Red Trillium

Trillium erectum

Also known as: Wake Robin, Stinking Benjamin

Iconic deep maroon-red spring wildflower — three petals, three sepals, three leaves — whose foliage stands through summer rather than vanishing like a true ephemeral. Fly-pollinated, with a faint carrion scent (hence "Stinking Benjamin"). Slow-growing from seed; never dig from the wild.

Family

Melanthiaceae

Type

wildflower

Lifespan

perennial

Height

0.75–2 ft

Spacing

0.5–1 ft apart

Light

part shade

Soil moisture

moist

Soil pH

acidic

Bloom

April, May, June

Bloom colors

red, pink

Wildlife value

pollinators, mammals

Landscape uses

naturalizing

Native states

AL, CT, DE, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WV