Whip-Poor-Will Flower
Trillium cernuum
- Native to:
- Canada, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
Trscavo
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Melanthiaceae
- Genus:
- Trillium
- Species:
- Trillium cernuum
- USDA Symbol:
- TRCE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, flies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded woodland areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 3-4 months; germination may be slow and erratic.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. * seeds must be stored cold and moist; germination is unlikely after storage >6 months; if seeds are received dry, try hydrating in damp paper towel @ 20°C for 1 week; during 3 months @ 20° a radicle is formed; then 4°C for at least 86 days will trigger emergence of a cotyledon which will appear as the temperature increases in spring; no more leaves are formed that year; if sown early enough, a cotyledon may emerge first spring but usually not until second spring; keep seeds in pots for 2 years
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)