Sessile Trillium (
Trillium sessile) is blooming all along the Little Miami River. To really appreciate its beautiful blossom, get down on your knees and have a look. The veining in the dark maroon petals are the star of the show, but its structure is just as interesting. If you look "sessile" up in Webster's dictionary, you'll find:
"attached directly by the base; not raised upon a stalk or peduncle," which perfectly describes this little early spring maroon-colored trillium...
A fully opened blossom of Trillium sessile sits directly atop the leaves. It couldn't have come with a more descriptive name!
...even before a Sessile Trillium bloom opens, the maroon veining in the three outer sepals is striking.
Surprise...an Eastern Garter Snake! When you're sprawled on the ground in the early spring communing with the flowers, don't forget other things like to sprawl (or coil) on the ground too. Thank goodness I LOVE snakes, otherwise, I would have been in for quite a fright. This fellow was coiled up about 4 feet from me. He blended in to the leaves so well I didn't see him until I was almost on top of him. It was cold...and he didn't even bother to move...
The first thing I do when I spot a snake is look at its eye. If the pupil is round, like the pupil on this Eastern Garter Snake, it is non-venomous and safe. If the pupil is elliptical, back away. It is venomous and can do some damage!
...the outer sepals will soon give way to the blossom within.
Sessile Trillium is also called Toadshade Trillium. I can totally imagine a toad finding shelter under the broad leaves...
..sets of three. The geometry of a trillium is part of its mystique.
...bright yellow pollen glows against the maroon petals.
...the sun backlights a petal of Trillium sessile, emphasizing the veining through the translucent petal.