Walking in the forest at this time of year brings us in proximity with little miracles. One such miracle is the Trillium.
Farragut State Park recently posted this information about the trillium and I felt it was well worth sharing. They begin by warning us to never pick a trillium. These are their reasons for this soft suggestion:
- “It takes nine years after germination for a trillium to flower.
- Each flower yields only ONE seed pod each year.
- Each plant can live up to 25 years, and gains all of its nourishment for the remainder of the year during the spring when its leaves are present.
- Trillium are propagated by ANTS. Not bees, the wind, or birds. The seeds are covered by a sweet coating which entices the ants to carry seeds underground into their colonies. After eating the coating, the seed germinates in the perfect subterranean environment.”
The Trillium is most commonly found growing in rich deciduous and mixed upland forests in various parts of the world, particularly in temperate zones of North America and Asia.
It’s another reason for us to remain on designated pathways and not walk, hike, or bike on the fragile forest floor.
If you enjoyed this why not share it with a friend or post about it on social media. Thank you for reading and sharing your time with me. — Diane