Trillium lancifolium

Trillium lancifolium, the Lance-leaved or Narrow-leaved Trillium, is known to occur in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee (and possibly in Mississippi), and has protected status as an endangered species in both Florida and Tennessee. Despite its overall rarity, it is locally common in places such as Steven's Creek Heritage Preserve.

These plants are smaller than most other species in the genus, usually no more than 30 cm tall, with comparatively inconspicuous flowers and leaves. As implied by both scientific and common names, the (lanceolate) leaves are notably narrow, about 2.5 times as long as they are broad, with the widest portion being more-or-less central. The petals are usually maroon or brownish-maroon, quite erect, and more slender than in most other species of Trillium.

Trillium lancifolium blooms from February to May. It typically occurs in shady upland hardwood forests, but can be found in various other communities with some shade. Populations are usually scattered, and the individual plants are often present at low population levels.

References

• Case, Frederick W.; Case, Roberta B. (1997). Trilliums. Timber Press. ISBN 0-88192-374-5. http://books.google.com/books?id=ma9CI_JD_mkC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false. 
• Entry on eFloras.org for Trillium lancifolium