Twisted trillium is an herbaceous perennial wildflower in the trillium family (Melanthiaceae). It is found on a narrow north-south axis from the interior plateau of Kentucky and west-central Tennessee to the upper coastal plain along the Alabama and Mississippi boundary. The species epithet refers to the stamens, the large size of which was noted in the original description of the species. Plant in a woodland setting for naturalization in part to full shade in humus-rich sandy well-drained alkaline soils. It inhabits rich hardwood forests, in ravines, along streams and creeks, and in prairie woods,especially over limestone. The flower is deep maroon (rarely yellow) with a foul odor for attracting flies and beetles. The petals have a distinct twist near the tips and are horizontal. This species is appropriate for woodland or shade gardens, or pollinator gardens. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. Slugs and snails are occasional pests and leaf spot, rust and smut are occasional disease problems. It does not transplant well. More information on Trillium .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter; Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline (>8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Occasionally Dry
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Mountains
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Erect; Spreading
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Green; Variegated
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Whorled
Leaf shape
Lanceolate; Ovate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf size
1-3 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
A whorl of 3 mottled ovate to ovate-lanceolate green sessile bracts are 2.5 to 3 inches long and 1.3-2 inches wide
Flower color
Black; Gold/Yellow; Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Solitary
Flower shape
Cup
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
The petals are a very deep maroon to blackish-red, and purple-streaked (rarely yellow). Waxy recurved petals are horizontal and twisted. The large stamens are dark purple. The carrion-scented flower attracts flies and beetles for pollination. Blooms April to May
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy
Fruit type
Berry; Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
6-parted berry-like capsule with seeds that are dispersed by ants in th summer.
Stem color
Green; Purple/Lavender
Stem detail
Smooth round green to purple stem
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Southeastern United States
Distribution
AL, MS, TN
Wildlife value
Attracts flies and beetles for pollination
Attracts
Moths; Pollinators
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Leaves; Nuts
Harvest time
Summer
Fruit type
Berry; Capsule
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Young, unfolding leaves HARVEST TIME: Only collect leaves from areas you know have NOT been treated with pesticides. SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES: Wash leaves in warm water to remove dirt and debris. Do not use dish detergent or any type of sanitizer. These products can leave a residue. Cook in boiling, salted water for ten minutes and serve like greens. SOURCE: Crowhurst, A. 1972. The Weed Cookbook. Lancer Books, Inc. New York, 190 pp.