Trillium sessile: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:44, 9 February 2025

Species of flowering plant

Trillium sessile, commonly known as the toadshade or sessile trillium, is a species of flowering plant in the family Melanthiaceae. It is native to the central and eastern United States, where it is found in rich, deciduous woodlands.

Description

Trillium sessile is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows from a rhizome. The plant typically reaches a height of 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches). The leaves are sessile, meaning they are attached directly to the stem without a petiole. Each plant has three broad, ovate leaves that are mottled with shades of green and brown.

The flower of Trillium sessile is characterized by its maroon or dark red petals, which are erect and do not open widely. The flower is sessile, sitting directly on the leaves without a stalk. The sepals are green and lanceolate, and the petals are typically 3 to 5 cm long.

Habitat and distribution

Trillium sessile is found in rich, moist, deciduous forests, often on slopes and in ravines. Its range extends from Minnesota and Wisconsin in the north, south to Alabama and Mississippi, and east to Ohio and West Virginia.

Ecology

The plant is an important part of the forest understory, providing early spring blooms that attract pollinators such as flies and beetles. The seeds of Trillium sessile are dispersed by ants, a process known as myrmecochory.

Conservation

While Trillium sessile is not currently listed as threatened or endangered, its habitat is subject to pressures from deforestation and urban development. Conservation efforts focus on preserving its natural woodland habitat.

Gallery

Trillium sessile in bloom
A single Trillium sessile flower

Related pages

References

Case, F. W., & Case, R. B. (1997). Trilliums. Timber Press.
Gleason, H. A., & Cronquist, A. (1991). Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada. New York Botanical Garden.

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-'''Trillium sessile''', also known as [[Sessile Trillium]], [[Toadshade]], or [[Red Trillium]], is a species of [[flowering plant]] in the family [[Melanthiaceae]]. It is native to the central part of the [[United States]] and is commonly found in the [[Midwestern United States|Midwest]] and [[South Central United States|South Central]] regions.
+{{short description|Species of flowering plant}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Trillium sessile
+| image = Trillium_recurvatum_(left)_and_Trillium_sessile_(right)_side-by-side.jpg
+| image_caption = ''Trillium recurvatum'' (left) and ''Trillium sessile'' (right)
+}}
-== Description ==
+'''Trillium sessile''', commonly known as the toadshade or sessile trillium, is a species of flowering plant in the family [[Melanthiaceae]]. It is native to the central and eastern [[United States]], where it is found in rich, deciduous [[woodlands]].
-The '''Trillium sessile''' is a [[perennial plant]] that grows up to 30 cm tall. It has a single, unbranched stem with a whorl of three leaves at the top. The leaves are broadly ovate to elliptic and are mottled with various shades of green. The flowers are sessile (without a stalk) and are typically a deep red color, although they can occasionally be yellow or green. The flowers have three petals and three sepals, and they bloom in the spring.
-== Habitat and Distribution ==
+==Description==
-'''Trillium sessile''' is found in a variety of habitats, including [[deciduous forest]]s, [[woodland]]s, and [[prairie]]s. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and is often found in areas with rich, loamy soil. The plant is native to the central United States, with its range extending from [[Minnesota]] and [[Iowa]] in the north to [[Oklahoma]] and [[Texas]] in the south, and from [[Illinois]] and [[Indiana]] in the east to [[Nebraska]] and [[Kansas]] in the west.
+''Trillium sessile'' is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows from a [[rhizome]]. The plant typically reaches a height of 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches). The leaves are sessile, meaning they are attached directly to the stem without a petiole. Each plant has three broad, ovate leaves that are mottled with shades of green and brown.
-== Conservation Status ==
+The flower of ''Trillium sessile'' is characterized by its maroon or dark red petals, which are erect and do not open widely. The flower is sessile, sitting directly on the leaves without a stalk. The sepals are green and lanceolate, and the petals are typically 3 to 5 cm long.
-The '''Trillium sessile''' is not currently listed as threatened or endangered by the [[International Union for Conservation of Nature|IUCN]]. However, like many wildflowers, it is susceptible to habitat loss due to [[deforestation]] and [[urbanization]]. In some areas, it is also threatened by over-collection for the horticultural trade.
-== Cultivation ==
+==Habitat and distribution==
-'''Trillium sessile''' is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. It is valued for its attractive mottled leaves and its unusual, deep red flowers. The plant prefers a shady location and moist, well-drained soil. It can be propagated by seed or by division of the rhizomes.
+''Trillium sessile'' is found in rich, moist, deciduous forests, often on slopes and in ravines. Its range extends from [[Minnesota]] and [[Wisconsin]] in the north, south to [[Alabama]] and [[Mississippi]], and east to [[Ohio]] and [[West Virginia]].
-== References ==
+==Ecology==
-* ''Trillium sessile''. The Plant List. Retrieved from http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2889829
+The plant is an important part of the forest understory, providing early spring blooms that attract pollinators such as flies and beetles. The seeds of ''Trillium sessile'' are dispersed by ants, a process known as [[myrmecochory]].
-* ''Trillium sessile''. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a342
+==Conservation==
+While ''Trillium sessile'' is not currently listed as threatened or endangered, its habitat is subject to pressures from [[deforestation]] and [[urban development]]. Conservation efforts focus on preserving its natural woodland habitat.
+==Gallery==
+<gallery>
+File:Trillium_sessile,_2021-04-20,_Seldom_Seen,_05.jpg|''Trillium sessile'' in bloom
+File:Single_dark_trillium_sessile_trillium_flower_blooms_with_green_leaves_growing_on_old_log.jpg|A single ''Trillium sessile'' flower
+</gallery>
+==Related pages==
+* [[Trillium]]
+* [[Trillium recurvatum]]
+* [[Myrmecochory]]
+==References==
+* Case, F. W., & Case, R. B. (1997). ''Trilliums''. Timber Press.
+* Gleason, H. A., & Cronquist, A. (1991). ''Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada''. New York Botanical Garden.
+[[Category:Trillium|sessile]]
 [[Category:Flora of the United States]]
-[[Category:Melanthiaceae]]
+[[Category:Plants described in 1753]]
-[[Category:Perennial plants]]
-{{Flora-stub}}