Trillium foetidissimum

Trillium foetidissimum
Fetid Trillium
Conservation status

Apparently Secure (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order: Liliales
Family: Melanthiaceae
Genus: Trillium
Species: T. foetidissimum
Binomial name
Trillium foetidissimum
J.D. Freeman

Trillium foetidissimum, common names: Fetid Trillium or Mississippi River Wakerobin, is a perennial wildflower which blooms from early March to early April. The flower is sessile, of a maroon color fading to brown with narrow lanceolate petals. It emits a smell of rotting meat to attract insect pollinators, hence the name. Its leaves are strongly mottled. The flower turns to a purple-brown berry in autumn.

T. foetidissimum is found along the LouisianaMississippi border in a variety of habitats.

References

  • Frett, Jeanne (2007). Trilliums at Mt. Cuba Center: A Visitor's Guide. Mt. Cuba Center Inc. ISBN 0-9770848-1-7.