The Trillium is an icon of Southern Appalachia. A plant of many names (Wakerobin, Toadshade, Wood Lily, and more), the genus Trillium accounts for nearly 50 species in the family Melanthiaceae. As a woodland spring ephemeral, this plant shares some of the first blooms of the year!

Trillium is a long-lived wildflower that signifies the start of spring. Although they persist for many years (some species can live to 50!), their beauty is fleeting. The spring ephemeral often emerges in March, blooms in April, and then disappears by mid-summer until its return the following year. Trilliums thrive in undisturbed woodland habitat and are an emblem of Southern Appalachia (recall the famous Trillium Gap in the Smokies)!

*Young trilliums may take 7+ years to fully establish before flowering!*

Scientific Description: Trillium is a genus encompassing nearly 50 unique species. Once a member of the lily family (Liliaceae), they were recently given their own family: Melanthiaceae. Their blooms range in color from bright white to maroon to yellow to brown. The name derives from the Latin word Trilix, which means “triple”. This moniker represents the plant’s rule of threes: three bracts (leaf-like structures below the flower), three sepals, three petals, and reproductive structures in sets of three (six stamens, three stigmas). Trilliums are sometimes called the “trinity plant” for this reason, in addition to several other names—birthroot, toadshade, wakerobin, and more.

The plant is organized into two groups: sessile and pedicellate. Sessile trilliums have a flower that sits directly on their whorl of bracts, while pedicellate trilliums have “stalked” flowers that lift above the bracts on a pedicel.

Trilliums thrive in moist, loamy soils fit with plenty of shade. This makes them common in cove forests, which harbor humid conditions with dappled or deep shade. Their long lifespans of 20-50 years attribute to their need for undisturbed habitat. It can take seedlings 2-3 years to develop their characteristic form, and maturing plants may not bloom for 7+ years! It’s very important to preserve trilliums found in the wild—please do not collect them, as this can deplete their sensitive energy reserves. If you’d like to add the plant to your yard, consider buying from nurseries that cultivate these plants, like our Native Plant Nursery! Also, some species are threatened or endangered!

Habitat Value: Trilliums are important for local wildlife as an early spring bloomer. Deer will browse the foliage, and their nectar often provides a food source for early-emerging pollinators. Species with large leaves also provide cover for small animals, hence “toadshade”. White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum) and Sweet Little Betsy (Trillium cuneatum) is a larval host plant for the black-patched celpsis and American angle shade moths.

The life cycle of a trillium is dependent on two primary insects: flies and ants. Some trilliums attract flies through unpleasant odors and flesh-colored flowers for pollination. For seed dispersal, they engage in a special relationship with ants called myrmecochory. Trilliums, like many spring ephemerals, grow a structure attached to their seeds called an elaiosome. This fleshy organ is rich in nutrients, and it attracts ant as a food source. After separating the nutritious elaiosome, ants will “discard” the seeds into a dedicated trash heap. This compost pile becomes a germination chamber for young trilliums! Yellow jackets have also been documented to help with seed dispersal.

Landscape Uses (By Matt Whitaker of WMWA Landscape Architects): Trillium is a genus of forty or so North American native species, of which around twenty species can be found in Tennessee. Generally found in rich, woodland soils with even moisture and shade. Species are found on both acidic and calcareous soils with specific species tied to the soil pH. Trilliums are a classic spring ephemeral wildflower showing up before leaves on trees and disappearing by mid-summer. Trilliums should be planted in a shaded garden in natural, high quality soil with a deep layer of humus. They spread slowly over time from rhizomes. Most home gardens will lack a good location for Trilliums and even experienced gardeners can struggle to keep them happy. Purchase from a reputable source and ensure you have an appropriate location in your garden before attempting to grow. Be mindful that they will die back to the ground in summer when locating. Trilliums are difficult to propagate from seed and do not transplant easily. Do not dig or buy wild plants.

Experience the wonder of trilliums, woodland’s bloom!