Trillium recurvatum

Trillium recurvatum, the prairie trillium or bloody butcher, is a species of perennial herbaceous flowering plant in the family Melanthiaceae. It is native to parts of central and eastern United States, where it is found from Iowa south to Texas and east to North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Its natural habitat is mesic forests and savannas, often in calcareous soil. Its flower has three brown to maroon petals that are typically under 3 centimetres (1.2 in) long. The petals are recurved, with tips converging over the stamens. The fruit has six well developed ridges (see photo). The seeds have an oil-rich structure called an elaiosome, which promotes dispersal by ants and other foraging insects. Trillium recurvatum is common throughout much of its range. It is not considered to be globally threatened, and its status is considered secure. However, it is monitored by conservation agencies in several states at the edge of its range, where it becomes rare. For example, in Wisconsin it is considered rare or uncommon (S3) and therefore a species of special concern. In Michigan, it is considered a state threatened species and is protected by law (S2S3).