Russell Stafford
Family
Trilliaceae
Botanical Name
Trillium grandiflorum
Plant Common Name
Great White Trillium, White Trillium, White Wakerobin
General Description
The great white trillium is a delicate woodland perennial native to the forests of eastern North America, from the province of Quebec to the state of Georgia. It is a true spring ephemeral, which means that it appears in the spring before the leaves of deciduous trees have fully emerged and completely disappears after flowering and fruiting, usually by early summer.
This delicate hardy perennial appears in spring and its leaves and flowers are in threes, hence the “tri” in the name trillium. It sends up a long, slender stem topped with three large medium green leaves. One large, white, three-petaled flower appears in the center of the leaves. The bloom is broad, showy and has lots of yellow anthers in the center. Once spent, inconspicuous fruits appear and the plant dies back to the ground until the following spring.
Most spring ephemerals are woodland species that bloom and grow beneath deciduous trees. They prefer higher light, which is why they appear before the trees leaf out. They thrive in organic-rich soils with even moisture and good drainage. Slightly acid and alkaline soils are tolerated. In a woodland setting these will naturalize over time. Trillium colonizes an area best if left undisturbed.
Most trillium are difficult to propagate, so they are expensive. Consequently, less reputable retailers have been known to sell wild-collected stock, so be sure plants are nursery-grown before purchasing them. There are several cultivated varieties worth seeking out. The naturally occurring variety roseum has pink flowers and the cultivar 'Flore Pleno' is a slower-growing plant with large, breathtaking double blossoms.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 3
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 7
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Shade
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Height
10"-15" / 25.4cm - 38.1cm (15)
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Width
10"-12" / 25.4cm - 30.5cm (12)
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring
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Native To
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, Canada
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Yellow Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Mixed Border, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
Yes
