The author of the text is Dr. Katarzyna Wróblewska
The trifoliate Trilium, also known as trifoliate or trifoliate, is a genus of ornamental perennials in the Triliaceae family, naturally found in North America and East Asia. They were considered medicinal plants by the Indians, their young leaves were also eaten raw or cookedAlthough species of trefoil are found mainly in botanical gardens and specialized collections, their appearance at many gardening exhibitions heralds their upcoming popularity.
Trifoliate plants are decorative and original plants. From the underground rhizome grow single shoots with three leaflets gathered in a whorl, which resemble leaves (the actual leaves are reduced to small scales growing underground on the rhizome). The pointed tips of the pods form the outline of a regular triangle.In some species, e.g. wedge-shaped and sessile, the sockets are beautifully marbled and discolored.A single three-fold flower grows in the center of the whorl, usually sessile.
The flowers are much less often set on short, sometimes overhanging stalks, e.g. in the drooping trefoil. The color of the petals depends on the species - from white, through pink, yellow, to maroon. As they fade, white flowers often turn pink, as is the case with the large-flowered trefoil.After the flowers fade, single fruits are formed. Most species reach a height of 30-40 centimeters.
Of about 50 species, the most commonly cultivated is the trifoliate Trilium grandiflorum, growing up to 50 cm, with white, rather large flowers; the sessile trifoliate Trilium sessile with beautiful marbled leaves and maroon flowers, and the wedge-shaped trifoliate Trilium cuneatum; yellow trifoliate Trilium luteum with lemon-yellow flowers and blotchy leaves, pendulous Trilium cernuum and Rugela Trilium rugelli with overhanging flowers.
Other interesting species include whitish trifoliate Trilium albidum, green-petaled Trilium chloropetalum or erect Trilium erectum. Apart from a dozen or so species, cultivars and hybrids also gain importance. There are especially many varieties of the most popular species - the large-flowered trefoil. These are i.a. varieties with pink or full flowers: 'Flore Pleno' or 'Snowbunting'.Like the species, they are relatively easy to grow.
Trifoliate are typical perennials of the undergrowth. They are most common in moist deciduous or mixed forests. These are the so-called ephemeris - like many bulbs develop in spring when a lot of light shines through the leafless tree branches - and they fade away in June.They feel best in light or moderate shade.They suit moist, but well-drained, humus-rich and fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH (pH 5-6.5).
Wintering and reproduction
Three-leafs are sufficiently frost-resistant in most areas of Poland.Some problems with wintering may occur in Eastern Poland - it is better if they winter under cover. They are slow-growing but long-lived perennials.
Unexcavated rhizomes develop over many years, so the plants can be used as ground cover.They are also perfect for shady discounts and naturalistic assumptions.They complement each other well, e.g.with ferns and funkas that develop late and can replace the places abandoned by the trefoil. It is best to propagate the trifoliate by dividing rhizomes during summer dormancy or by sowing seeds.
