How to identify Bloody butcher (Trillium recurvatum)

How to identify Bloody butcher (Trillium recurvatum)

Bloody butcher, also known as Shay's trillium, Prairie wake-robin, Bloody noses, Toadshade

Bloody butcher displays a distinctive three-petaled flower, each petal boasting a rich maroon to brown hue, and measuring about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in length. The petals are complemented by a whorl of three broad, mottled leaves that spread out below the flower, providing a stark contrast with their green coloration patterned with lighter and darker shades. This perennial's flower sits atop a single, erect stem that commonly reaches the height of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm). Bloody butcher's bloom is notably unique with its wavy, recurved margins, which add to the plant's distinctive appearance.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Bloody butcher

Distinctive maroon to brown three-petaled flower, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long.

Mottled leaves with dark and light green patterns, 3-6 inches (7.6-15.2 cm) long.

Uniform, stout stem, light green to reddish purple, 0.2-0.5 inches (0.5-1.2 cm) diameter.

Rhombic-elliptic flower petals curve inward, up to 1.75 inches (4.45 cm) long.

Berry-like capsules with six parts, pale green to purplish-green in color, mature by August.

Detailed Traits of Bloody butcher

Leaf Features

The leaves of bloody butcher are actually bracts, measuring 3-6 inches (7.6-15.2 cm) in length and 1.5-3.5 inches (3.8-8.9 cm) in width. These leaves exhibit a striking mottled pattern of dark and light green on the upper surfaces, while the undersides are a solid light green. They have a parallel venation pattern, adding to their distinct appearance. This textured and colorful pattern is a notable feature for identifying the plant.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of bloody butcher are distinguished by their maroonish hue and three-petaled structure. Each petal, rhombic-elliptic in shape, curves inward at the tips and measures up to 1.75 inches (4.45 cm) long. Blooming from mid to late spring, particularly from April to May in North Carolina, these flowers are a notable feature of the plant during this period. The petals' unique curvature and rich color make them easily identifiable for enthusiasts.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of bloody butcher is light green to reddish purple, round, smooth, and notably stout. It has a uniform texture, lacking any significant ridges or hairs, and demonstrates remarkable sturdiness. The stem typically measures around 0.2 to 0.5 inches (0.5 to 1.2 cm) in diameter. There is minimal branching, contributing to its robust appearance. The coloration transitions smoothly, with no abrupt changes, reflecting a healthy and vigorous plant structure.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of bloody butcher manifests as a berry-like capsule with six distinct parts. This intriguing fruit can range in color from a subtle pale green to a more pronounced purplish-green hue. Typically developing by July, the fruit reaches maturity in August. The berry-like capsules exhibit a smooth surface and are known for their unique mode of seed dispersal; ants are drawn to the seeds, facilitating their spread throughout the vicinity. These key features provide amateurs with visual cues for successful identification of bloody butcher's distinctive fruit.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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