The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Prairie trillium

Trillium recurvatum

TRILL-ee-um ray-kur-VAY-tum Audio

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 CharacteristicsMost 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. 

CareProvide 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.

PropagationTrilliums propagate readily by division when plants are dormant in late summer or early fall.

ProblemsSmut, rust, fungal spots, slugs, snails.

  • Genus : Trillium
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Plant Width : 6 to 12 inches
  • Bloom Time : Early Spring
  • Uses : Ground Covers, Shade
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Light : Partial Shade to Full Shade
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Foliage Color : Purple/Burgundy
  • Flower Color : Red, White, Yellow
  • Characteristics : Self Seeds, Showy Foliage
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide