Toadshade
(Trillium sessile)
Toadshade (Trillium sessile)
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Fritzflohrreynolds
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Fritzflohrreynolds
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Fritzflohrreynolds | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Fritzflohrreynolds | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Trillium_sessile_-_Toadshade_3.jpg | Notes: Water Gum tree (''Tristaniopsis laurina''). Taken by myself in Sydney around December 2006. |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Trillium sessile, commonly known as Toadshade, is a deciduous perennial herb that thrives in rich, mesic deciduous forests, often on slopes and in ravine bottoms in the Central and Eastern United States. It typically forms clumps up to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall and wide. The plant is characterized by its mottled green leaves arranged in a whorl of three, which sit beneath a single, erect flower. The flower, which blooms in early spring, is notable for its three maroon, reddish-purple, or greenish-yellow petals and its distinctive spicy fragrance. The sessile (stemless) flowers are nestled in the center of the bracts, making them quite showy when in bloom.
Toadshade is valued for its early spring flowers and its ability to naturalize in shady woodland settings, making it a charming addition to native plant gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized areas. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements once established. Trillium sessile prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil and consistent moisture, though it can tolerate a range of soil conditions. It is best planted in part shade to full shade and requires minimal care, although it should not be disturbed once planted. While it can be propagated by seed or division, gardeners should avoid collecting plants from the wild, as this can deplete natural populations and the plants often do not survive the transition.CC BY-SA 4.0
Toadshade is valued for its early spring flowers and its ability to naturalize in shady woodland settings, making it a charming addition to native plant gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized areas. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements once established. Trillium sessile prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil and consistent moisture, though it can tolerate a range of soil conditions. It is best planted in part shade to full shade and requires minimal care, although it should not be disturbed once planted. While it can be propagated by seed or division, gardeners should avoid collecting plants from the wild, as this can deplete natural populations and the plants often do not survive the transition.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Brown, Yellow, Green, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Rich, mesic deciduous forests, often on slopes and in ravine bottoms
Other Names
Common Names: Sessile Trillium, Toad Trillium, Sessile-Flowered Wake-Robin, Paddtreblad
Scientific Names: , Trillium sessile, Trillium sessile f. viridiflorum, Trillium sessile f. sessile, Esdra sessilis, Esdra sessilis publ, Phyllantherum sessile, Trillium isanthum, Trillium longiflorum, Trillium membranaceum
GBIF Accepted Name: Trillium sessile L.