Bloody Butcher
Trillium recurvatum
- Native to:
- United States
Eric Hunt
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Melanthiaceae
- Genus:
- Trillium
- Species:
- Trillium recurvatum
- USDA Symbol:
- TRRE5
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 40 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- maroon, purple, brown
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 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage preferred
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers woodland habitats with organic matter
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, often occurring in the second spring after sowing.
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. Expose to fluctuation outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in the spring. * 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)
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)