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Trillium kurabayashii
giant purple wakerobin
Klamath-Siskiyou region of southwestern Oregon and northern California; moist mixed-evergreen and coniferous forests
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Overview
Trillium kurabayashii is giant purple wakerobin (Kurabayashi's trillium), an upright deciduous perennial growing 11-17 inches (28-44 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Deep purple-red to maroon sessile flowers with 3 erect narrow petals 2.5-4 inches (6-10 cm) sitting directly on the bract whorl (no stalk) in March-April (4 weeks). Spicy-musty fragrance. Three broadly ovate dark green bracts 4-7 inches (10-18 cm), typically unmarked or subtly mottled. In Melanthiaceae. Named for Masataka Kurabayashi. Native to the Klamath-Siskiyou region of southwestern Oregon and northern California. The consistently deep purple-red to maroon flower color distinguishes T. kurabayashii from T. chloropetalum (variable color from green-white through maroon). Sessile (no flower stalk). 5-7 years from seed to flowering — this very slow maturation is the primary establishment limitation. Not drought-tolerant. Do not pick flowers (removes the only leaves). Purchase nursery-propagated only. Deer browse. Contains steroidal saponins — toxic. Zones 6-9. Part shade to full shade. Growth rate is very slow.
Native Range
Native to the Klamath-Siskiyou region of southwestern Oregon and northern California. Found in moist mixed-evergreen and coniferous forests.Suggested Uses
Grown in woodland gardens and native plant gardens in the Klamath-Siskiyou region, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). Consistent deep maroon flowers. Spicy fragrance. Very slow. Nursery-propagated only. Toxic. Zones 6-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height11" - 1'5"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 7 years
Bloom Information
Early to mid spring (March-April). Deep purple-red to maroon sessile flowers with 3 erect narrow petals 2.5-4 inches (6-10 cm). Spicy-musty fragrance. 4 weeks.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Consistently deep purple-red to maroon; 3 erect narrow petals 2.5-4 inches (6-10 cm); sessile (no stalk — sits directly on the bract whorl); spicy-musty fragranceFoliage Description
Three broadly ovate dark green bracts 4-7 inches (10-18 cm); typically unmarked or subtly mottled — less boldly patterned than T. chloropetalumGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight