Toadshade, Red trillium, Wake robin, Sessile trillium
Trillium sessile

Family: Melanthiaceae

What it is like

A small plant. It grows 30 cm high and spreads 30-40 cm wide. The leaf like bracts are rounded or oval. They have dark mottling. These are often slightly drooping. They encircle the flower but seldom overlap. They are 7.5-10 cm long and 4-7 cm wide. They are pointed at the tip. The flowers have purple-red petals and sepals which are purple-red but with a green tinge.

There are about 46 Trillium species. Also put in the family Trilliaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. They do best in cool, moist soils and in shade. They are very frost hardy. It suits hardiness zones 4-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, North America (country/location of origin), Slovenia, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The young unfolded leaves can be added to salads. They can be boiled for 10 minutes and served with butter and vinegar.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

They can be grown by seed or by division. They are slow to establish from seed. They can take 5-7 years to reach flowering stage.

Its other names

Local names

Sedečecvetni trolist

Synonyms

Often the Trillium sessile of gardens is Trillium cuneatum;