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Accurately
naming Trilliums can be a bit of a frustrating
business. Even
the
best of experts beg to differ on occasion.
Nevertheless, when treating
the
genus broadly, we can at least separate the
sessile species from the
pedicellate
species. For instance, the well known Trillium
chloropetalum
belongs
to the sessile group, all of which lack a
pedicel or stem between
the flower and the leaf bracts, and most of
them can also be distinguished
by
their beautiful mottled leaves. Meanwhile the
pedicellate species can
be
seen to possess such a stem which often allows
their flowers to
nod.
They can be generally found in the swamps and
forests of the South
Eastern
States of America. Nevertheless, they are
quite at home in the light
shade
of an Irish garden.
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if anyone is duly inspired to grow these
plants from seed then a word
of
warning is required. Extreme patience is
something of a necessity.
Germination
of seed may take place only after a number of
years. and
thereafter
it may be five or six years before a flower is
obtained, and
this
is why some Trilliums can appear so expensive
in nursery
catalogues.
However it remains an inexpensive way of obtaining
a good number
of
plants to play with. But don't throw away
those weedy old
pots ! |
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Trillium erectum
Commonly known as Birthroot in its native home. It is extremely variable
in both stature and flower colour. They may be deep red or white or any
shade in between. It is a member of a confusing group of species or sub-
species which is often referred to as the Trillium erectum Complex.
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Trillium
erectum - red and white forms |
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Trillium
simile
Gardeners
who believe they are growing this species may
be innocently
growing T.erectum (... and I'm aware that this may
apply to me !) It hails
from the mountains and forest margins of Tennessee,
Georgia, and the
Carolinas. It is said that one of the best ways to
tell the difference between
T. simile and T.erectum is to smell the plant
T.simile is locally known as
Sweet White William and the clue to its odour is in
this name. In contrast,
T.erectum is said to smell of 'wet dog' I'm happy to
say that my plant
doesn't even smell of a small wet doggie !
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Trillium
pusilum
This
is currently my favourite species. It is a
notably dwarf plant,attaining
a
height of approximately 12 to 14 cm, and it
quietly creeps around by
means
of slender rhizomes The flowers are white
or occasionally pink and
they
are extremely beautiful. It is an ideal species
for growing in a trough.
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| If
anyone wants to become better acquainted with the
genus Trillium then
it
might be worthwhile checking out the relevant Flickr
albums of Alan
Cressler
and Jim Fowler where you will find some stunning
images of
Trilliums
in habitat ... enjoy! |
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