About Trillium stamineum Harb.
Trillium stamineum Harb. is a perennial herbaceous plant that spreads via underground rhizomes. Three sessile bracts (functioning as leaves) are arranged in a whorl around a hairy scape (stem) that grows directly from the rhizome to a height of 15 to 30 cm (5.9 to 11.8 in). The ovate leaves measure 6.3 to 7.6 cm (2.5 to 3.0 in) long and 3.3 to 5 cm (1.3 to 2.0 in) wide; they are bluish-green with strong mottling that fades as the plant ages. T. stamineum flowers between March and May, with timing varying by latitude. A single solitary flower is borne directly on the leaves. Unlike other trilliums with sessile flowers, the petals of T. stamineum spread horizontally rather than vertically, exposing stiffly erect stamens that are 16 to 24 mm (0.6 to 0.9 in) long. The dark maroon petals, which are 1.5 to 2.8 cm (0.6 to 1.1 in) long by 0.3 to 0.6 cm (0.1 to 0.2 in) wide, have a distinct twist along their length. The flower of this species gives off a carrion scent that attracts scavenging flies and other pollinating insects. All parts of the flower—including the stamens, filaments, anthers, ovary, and stigmas—are purple or dark purple, and the fruit is also purple. In 1975, Freeman described a non-purple pigmented form of the species, which he named Trillium stamineum f. luteum. This name is now considered a synonym of Trillium stamineum. In 1901, Harbison compared Trillium stamineum to Trillium sessile. Trillium stamineum is distinguished from Trillium sessile by its hairy stem, unusual petals, long erect stamens, and very short filaments.
