Paris quadrifolia
Description and General Information:
Paris quadrifolia is a woodland plant native across Eurasia from Spain to northern China. Plants reach 15-35 cm and produce a whorl of four leaves, very similar to Trillium, but the latter has a whorl of three leaves. The flowers of Paris are solitary with four narrow thread-like green petals and four slightly wider green petaloid sepals. After pollination, plants produce a solitary blueberry-like fruit.
In the wild, this species always grows over limestone, in old woodlands or along streamsides where the soil is moist and organic-rich. It is hardy to zone 4.
Cultivation:
Paris prefers a shady location with organic-rich, evenly moist soil. The pH should be near neutral. Paris resent transplanting so it is best to start with a young plant and leave it once planted.
Blooming Period:
In the wild, plants bloom throughout May and June.
Propagation:
Division, seed
Seeds:
Fresh seed is best, sowing them in fall and over-wintering them in a cold-frame. The first season, plants produce roots but do not sprout above-ground until their second year. They generally take 4-5 years to reach flowering-size.
Division:
Established clumps may be dug in early spring or late summer, and the thick rhizomes cut into pieces, each with a growing "eye".
Cuttings:
Not applicable