Trillium sulcatum

Common Names

Furrowed Wakerobin, Southern Red Trillium, Barksdale's Trillium, Rainbow Wake-Robin, Sulcate Toadshade

Summary

Trillium sulcatum is a rhizomatous perennial native to the eastern United States, notably the Cumberland Plateau, with a thin stem bearing a single terminal flower above a whorl of three obovate leaves. Flowers are typically dark red or maroon, borne on a long pedicel above the leaves, with recurved petals and sulcate (grooved) sepals; white forms can occur. The plant grows to about 12-20 inches tall and prefers moist, humus-rich soils in shade or partial shade within woodland settings. Propagation is by seed or division, and it is not invasive, making it suitable for woodland gardens as a specimen plant that attracts pollinators; it prefers shade and moist, rich soils and is hardy in USDA zones 4a through 8b.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-30 inches

Spread

1-2.5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4a-8b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Partial Shade to Full Shade, with a preference for Partial Shade (deep shade possible), tolerates Full Shade and Partial Sun

Soil Type

Moist, well-draining, humus-rich loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (roughly pH 5.0–6.5).

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Soil pH

5.0–6.5 (slightly acidic soil)

Bloom Color

Maroon

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinators