Family
Trilliaceae
Botanical Name
Trillium nivale
Plant Common Name
Snow Trillium
General Description
The short-lived, pixie-like white blooms of this diminutive perennial appear in late winter and early spring, long before those of other trilliums. It is native to limestone ridges and gravelly river verges from Pennsylvania to eastern Nebraska.
The small, blue-green, oval leaves of snow trillium are are borne in a symmetrical, triangular whorl atop 2- to 3-inch- (5- to 7.5-cm) stems. The erect stems arise from thick underground rhizomes that spread slowly to form a dense clump. The three-petaled flowers are held above the leaves on short erect stalks ("pedicels") that droop as the flowers age. A collar of three narrow sepals underlies the petals. Fleshy, greenish-white, berry-like fruits ripen in late spring, soon falling to the ground. The leaves wither as the fruit ripens. Plants from the southern part of snow trillium's range are often larger and more vigorous than northern forms.
Snow trillium does best in partial sun and gritty, well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil. It makes an ideal subject for a rock garden, wall crevice, or trough.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 1
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
2"-3" / 5.1cm - 7.6cm
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Width
4"-12" / 10.2cm - 30.5cm
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Late Winter
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Native To
Northeastern United States, North-Central United States
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Sand
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Blue 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
No
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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
