Species PlantsRed Trillium

Red Trillium

Trillium erectum

CommonPlant
Illustration of Red Trillium (Trillium erectum)

Red Trillium, or wake-robin, is a spring wildflower of eastern forest floors that produces dark red, carrion-scented flowers that attract fly pollinators. It is one of the most widespread and recognizable spring wildflowers in North America. Like other trilliums, it grows slowly from seed and can take 7–10 years to reach flowering size.

Habitat
Rich moist deciduous forest understory across eastern North America
Diet
Carrion-scented flowers attract flies; seeds dispersed by ants
How common
Common

Best time to see a Red Trillium

The best time to see a Red Trillium is April–May, when about 91% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 31,578 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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