How to identify Furrowed wakerobin (Trillium sulcatum)

Photo By S. Rae , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Furrowed wakerobin (Trillium sulcatum)

Furrowed wakerobin, also known as Barksdale's trillium

Furrowed wakerobin is a perennial herb with a distinguishing three-petaled flower, often in varying shades of maroon or reddish-brown. The flowers, approximately 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in diameter, are set atop a singular stem that can reach heights up to 16-20 inches (40-50 cm). Each stem supports a whorl of three broad, ovate leaves, which sometimes have a slightly mottled appearance. These leaves envelop the stem, giving furrowed wakerobin a distinctive, symmetrical look that makes it conspicuously identifiable when in bloom during spring.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Furrowed wakerobin

Three-petaled flowers in maroon hues, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) wide atop singular stems.

Whorl of 3 ovate leaves with mottled appearance, enveloping the stem symmetrically.

Distinct berry-like capsule, red-maroon, 1-2 inches (2.5-5.1 cm) long with unique sulcate texture.

Green obovate leaves, sharply pointed, whorled around the stem, up to 8 inches (20 cm) long.

Unbranched green stem, 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall, 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter, erect and firm.

Detailed Traits of Furrowed wakerobin

Leaf Features

The green leaves of furrowed wakerobin are obovate in shape and sharply pointed at the tip. They grow in a whorl around the stem, each leaf reaching up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and 8 inches (20 cm) wide. The leaves are broad with a smooth texture and prominent veining. Their unique arrangement and size make them a key identifier for this plant species.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Furrowed wakerobin displays captivating three-petaled flowers, typically maroon but also seen in white, yellow, purple, and bi-colored variations. The petals are set off by three green sepals, each with a distinctive 'canoe-tipped' shape. The flowers, measuring around 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter, have a purple ovary on a curved stem and emit a fetid odor, blooming from April to May. These striking features make furrowed wakerobin a unique and identifiable plant in its natural habitat.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of furrowed wakerobin is unbranched and presents a distinctive green coloration. It is smooth to the touch with a firm texture, measuring approximately 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) in height. The stem stands erect and exhibits a consistent thickness of about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter. Its unbranched nature and uniform green hue are key identifiers, providing a visually direct and straightforward vertical structure that supports the plant efficiently.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of furrowed wakerobin is a distinctive berry-like capsule that becomes visible during the summer months, particularly from July to August. This capsule is comprised of 6-parted sections and presents a rich red-maroon hue that can catch the eye. Each fruit averages about 1-2 inches (2.5-5.1 cm) in length, befitting the scale typically seen in capsules of this genus. The texture is smooth, yet the unique sulcate (grooved) feature on each segment provides both a tactile and visual cue for identification.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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