Prairie trillium (Trillium recurvatum) TRILL-ee-um ray-kur-VAY-tum Genus:  Trillium This is one of the first and most plentiful Trilliums to bloom in the spring. It has upright maroon blossoms (occasionally white or yellow) without stalks, and its leaves can be nicely mottled. It grows to 12-18 inches tall and 8-12 inches wide. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Most trilliums are native to woodlands and scrub of North America. When grown in groups or en masse, they make an elegant understory planting in a woodland or shady naturalized area. Since they go dormant in summer, plant trilliums with other shade-loving perennials to share their place until they reappear the following spring.  Care:  Provide rich, moist, but well-drained soil with a neutral to acidic pH. Plant in part to full shade and give them an annual mulch of rich organic matter. Propagation:  Trilliums propagate readily by division when plants are dormant in late summer or early fall. Problems:  Smut, rust, fungal spots, slugs, snails.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 6 in. to 12 in. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Part Shade to Full Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Native, Self Seeds, Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage Bloom Time Early Spring Flower Color Brown, Red, White, Yellow Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage Uses Ground Covers, Naturalizing Style Shade, Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Perennials