Southern nodding trillium facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Southern nodding trillium |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Trillium
|
| Species: |
rugelii
|
Trillium rugelii, also known as the southern nodding trillium or illscented wakerobin, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the family called Melanthiaceae. This plant naturally grows in parts of the southeastern United States.
You can find it in places like the Great Smoky Mountains, Fernbank Forest, and Steven's Creek Heritage Preserve. It also grows in other areas of the Piedmont and southern Appalachian Mountains. These areas are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. This plant likes to grow near streams in soil that has lots of humus (decayed plant matter). It prefers to grow in the shade under deciduous trees, which are trees that lose their leaves in the fall.
What is the Southern Nodding Trillium?
The Trillium rugelii is a perennial herbaceous plant. This means it lives for more than two years and has soft, non-woody stems. Its flowers bloom from mid-April to May.
One special thing about this trillium is how its flower grows. Like some other trillium types, such as T. catesbaei, T. cernuum, and T. vaseyi, its flower hangs downwards below its leaves. In the past, people sometimes confused Trillium rugelii with Trillium cernuum. While T. cernuum has a similar flower, it is smaller. Its stamens (the parts that produce pollen) are shorter, and its petals are thinner. Also, T. cernuum usually grows farther north and is not as strong or large as Trillium rugelii.
Why is this Plant Important?
As of 2009, the Trillium rugelii is considered an endangered species in several places. This includes the states of Tennessee and Georgia, as well as other parts of the United States. This means there are not many of these plants left, and they need protection to survive.
