Seeking the Deceptive Trillium, Chattahoochee, Florida — 2016-02-29

This second field trip on February 29 took us to a little known place just west of the last dam on the Chattahoochee River — the Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam. This dam forms Lake Seminole. After this point, the Chattahoochee River becomes the Apalachicola River which makes its way to Apalachicola Bay in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Trillium species we were searching for is Trillium decipiens also known as Deceptive Trillium or Chattahoochee River Wakerobin. The former common name comes from the fact that it looks very similar to another species found in the region, Trillium underwoodii. According to Linda Chafin in her account of this species, Trillium underwoodii also known as Underwood’s trillium or Purple Toadshade has flowers that smell yeasty, and its stamens are maroon. Its stem is about the same length as the leaves during flowering; later, stems may elongate to 2 – 3 times the length of the leaves. On the other hand, Trillium decipiens has flowers that smell of over-ripe bananas or old sneakers. It has erect stems 7 – 17 inches (17 – 44 cm) tall, about the same length as the leaves before flowering, later lengthening to 2 – 3 times longer than the leaves. So you see it is a much taller and more robust appearing than its cousin, Trillium underwoodii.

Trillium decipiens

The above image depicts the typical flower color for this species. As you will later see, we were able to photograph many different color forms in this population.

As we arrived at the site, we pulled over onto a grassy bank and parked the car. We retrieved our camera gear and proceeded into the woods hoping to find the Trilliums in full bloom. The day was bright and sunny, and we hoped for some clouds to diffuse the strong light. Even though we were in the woods, the dappled light made for challenging photography.

The first blooming plants I saw had a curious greenish-yellow coloration in the petals, and I could tell that this was going to be a rewarding trip:

The plants virtually covered the forest floor in places:

There were endless color forms to choose from as the following images show:

While I was busy with the Trillium decipiens, Virginia Craig and Eleanor Dietrich were wandering around and searching for other interesting plants. I had seen a tiny Sanguinaria canadensis or Bloodroot next to one of the Trilliums, but it was so puny that I decided not to photograph it. The ladies, however, managed to find a couple of nice ones:

I really like how its single leaf is positioned to form a nice backdrop for the flower. This is one spring plant that I’m always happy to photograph.

That just about finishes up our brief visit to this location. On our way back to the car, I saw a movement out of the corner of my eye. It was a small Anolis carolinensis also known as Carolina Anole or Green Anole. It has the wonderful ability to change colors to match its background. If it had not been for its movement, I never would have noticed it.

I truly treasure my adventures in the field with good friends such as Eleanor and Virginia. Our brief time together is precious, and I am looking forward to more adventures in the panhandle of Florida, where there are many plant species I have yet to meet…

–Jim