Little Sweet Betsy

Trillium cuneatum

Native to:
United States
Little Sweet Betsy

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Melanthiaceae
Genus:
Trillium
Species:
Trillium cuneatum
USDA Symbol:
TRCU

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Geophyte
Height:
40 cm
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may
Bloom Colors:
maroon, red, brown, yellow

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
ants
Fragrant:
Yes

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 150–365 days
Germination Time:
365–730 days
Notes:
Seeds exhibit double dormancy requiring warm then cold stratification. Germination is slow and erratic, often taking 1-2 years.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

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

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society