Also known as Sessile Trillium · Toad Trillium · Wakerobin Wood Lily
Toadshade (Trillium sessile) is a spring ephemeral with a sessile flower and mottled leaves, native to eastern North America. Prefers shady, moist woodland environments.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade to Dappled Sunlight
50% intensity
Prefers woodland conditions with filtered light; avoid direct, harsh sun.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Keep soil moist during active growth, reduce when dormant.
Loam, Sandy loam, Clay loam
50% intensity
Cool to Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in cooler temperatures, particularly during its active growing season. Tolerates some heat when dormant.
Low
25% intensity
Benefits from occasional compost; avoid over-fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during the growing season, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as the plant goes dormant in summer.
Allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Proper drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
Pruning is minimal for Trillium sessile. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage as needed.
After flowering, allow the leaves to naturally yellow and die back before removing them; this nourishment is important for the plant's energy reserves for the next season.
Propagation is primarily done through division of rhizomes in late summer or early fall when the plant is dormant.
Seeds can be collected after the fruit matures and sown fresh, but germination is slow and often requires a period of cold stratification. Patience is key for seed propagation.
Repotting is typically done when dividing overgrown clumps, usually every 3-5 years. The best time to repot is in late summer or early fall after the foliage has died back.
Use a well-draining, humus-rich potting mix and replant at the same depth the plant was previously growing.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Toadshade (Trillium sessile)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Melanthiaceae |
| Genus | Trillium |
| Species | Trillium sessile |
Similar in genus Trillium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
