The common name of this trillium is exceedingly charming, evoking images of grumpy toads hiding from the bright rays of the springtime sunshine beneath spreading, umbrella-like leaves, waiting patiently for the clouds to return so they can be on their way. Each Toadshade plant has a single stem that emerges with trio of pixelated mottled leaves topped by a stemless cup-shaped maroon flower in spring. Unlike some other trilliums, this flower smells somewhat rotten, but don't let that deter you. This fragrance has a purpose, attracting the flies and beetles that pollinate the flowers. The leaves of this species will persist until the mid-summer heat arrive, when the plants will hide from the heat under the cool soil until next spring.
Conditions: Part shade to full shade; moist, well-drained, humus rich soils
Size: <1' tall
Zone: 4 - 8
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract beetles and flies for pollination; ants spread the seeds
Photos: David Korbonits, Laura Cruz