My Date with the Red Trillium

In my previous post on the wonderful Trillium genus I discussed the eight species native to Ohio.  I was able to present five of the eight species with photographs and a bit of I.D. characteristics and other nuggets of information but sadly had to leave one of my favorites off the list.  I'd only seen the Red Trillium (Trillium erectum) once before several years ago but didn't have the capacity to think much of it at the time nor take any photographs.  That has preyed on my thoughts the past couple years and it was beginning to bother me to the point where I absolutely needed to find this plant again.  As luck would have it my friend and fellow blogger Mike Whittemore over at Flora and Fauna of Appalachia stumbled across some while on a hike at Cantwell Cliffs in the Hocking Hills area.  This gave me the perfect opportunity and chance to finally add a sixth species of Trillium to my plant photograph catalog.  Now to go see the endangered Painted Trillium (T. undulatum) in Ashtabula County someday!  But for now let's focus on the prized beauty of Trillium erectum.

Trillium erectum

Trillium erectum var. album

Scattered within the deep ravines and lower slopes, pockets of Red Trillium were still in peak bloom but a large majority seemed to be on their way out.  The ones that were still in prime condition sure put on a show though!  As seen from my prior post about Trillium's ability to vary in color/size/form, especially in the cases of T. flexipes, Red Trillium has two color forms to its flowers.  Above on the left is the normal T. erectum which can attest to how they get their common name of Red Trillium.  On the right is the white variation known as T. erectum var. album.

Trillium erectum var. album

Trillium erectum var. album

As I made my way through several different ravines and gorges I quickly noticed that the white form was much, much more dominant than that of its customary red flowered plant.  Taking a closer look at the inner workings of the white flower showed just how much more the distinctive red ovary sticks out, as well as the slightly off-yellow anthers.  There had to have been hundreds of white flowered forms for every one red form which seemed to be playing 'Where's Waldo?".  Whenever I did find a red flower it was far past prime, drooping heavily and about ready to call it a year.  Fortunately I was able to find a few great examples to photograph with some patient searching and scanning of the hillsides.

Red and White forms for comparison

Trillium erectum var. album

I've always been a collector of something, it's just my personality.  So when I dove headfirst into the enlightening but maddening world of botany I was quickly right at home.  Whether putting a check mark next to a species I see each and every year or one next to a 'life plant' that I've been chasing for years it's always a moment of personal success and gratitude to be have one more plant behind me and infinity more to go!

As I mentioned at the end of the earlier post, I attended Flora-Quest this weekend and it did not disappoint in the slightest!  I have many great wildflower photo's and stories to share in the coming days so be sure to check back often for some new postings!