RED TRILLIUM, PURPLE TRILLIUM Erectum
Trillium erectum, also known as red trillium, wake-robin, purple trillium, Beth root, or stinking Benjamin, is native to eastern Canada and the Eastern United States.
It is a spring ephemeral, an herbaceous perennial whose life-cycle is synchronised with that of the deciduous forests where it lives.
Trillium erectum grows to about 40 cm (16 in) in height with a spread of 30 cm (12 in), and can tolerate extreme cold in winter, surviving temperatures down to −35 °C (−31 °F).
Like all trilliums, its parts are in groups of three, with 3-petalled flowers above whorls of pointed triple leaves. The flowers are a deep red colour.
The leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals and crystal raphide, and should not be consumed by humans.
These seeds are in very limited supply!
Type: Hardy perennial
Hardiness zones: 4-9
Location: Part sun or part
Seeds per pack: 3
Germination: Seeds should be planted outdoors in late summer or fall, so that they will benefit from the cool and fluctuating temperatures of winter. In spring they will sprout, so be sure to mark the location that you planted the seeds. Please note, these seeds cannot grow without this cold period, so patience is required, though they are well worth the wait!
If you would prefer to start your seeds indoors, they will require a pattern of warm and cold periods. The first warm period has already been begun with these moist-packed seeds. Once you receive your seeds, plant them in a pot, just under the surface of the soil. Water, and place the container in a clear plastic bag, and label the seeds (note the seeds are poisonous if eaten). Place the pot in a refrigerator for 3 months. Then, bring the pot back to warmth (room temperature). The seeds should germinate within 3 months, though if no growth appears, the seeds can be returned to the fridge for a second cold period (3 months).
