The Lovely Large-Flowered Trillium
The lovely Large-Flowered Trillium is the beautiful State Wildflower of Ohio.
This plant reveals the pattern of threes, with three petals in the bloom, three sepals and three leaves. All trilliums are known for this pattern, as “tri” equals “three”. Another name for this trillium is the White Wake-Robin.
The bloom of the Large-Flowered Trillium is pure white when it first opens. However, with time, it turns to a vibrant pink color.
During April and May, sighting the delicate blooms is quite easy as the actual flower can grow as large as 4 inches across.
The broad leaves of the trillium can be up to 6 inches long, ovate in shape, with pointed tips. The plant can reach as tall as 18 inches, which is taller than many other understory plants.
Trilliums grow best in rich, moist soil where the woods aren’t bothered by people very much. Commonly, trilliums are found on shady woodland slopes with a mix of species of trees.
The Large-Flowered Trillium has a strophiole, or ridged growth, on the outside of the seed. This strophiole helps the trillium spread the seeds because it attracts ants. Ants carry the seed of the trillium to their nest, eat the strophiole and discard the seed. With some luck, the seed then sprouts the next spring where the ants discarded it!
Isn't the Lovely Large-Flowered-Trillium Lovely?
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