• Photo of Trillium grandiflorum (Trillium grandiflorums)

Plant Profile: Trillium grandiflorum

Taxonomy: Trillium grandiflorum

Names

Great White Trillium, Large Flowered Trillium, Wake-robin, White Trillium, Wood Lily

  • Photo of Trillium grandiflorum (Trillium grandiflorums)

Phonetic Spelling:TRIL-ee-um gran-dih-FLOR-um

Genus:Trillium

Species:grandiflorum

Family:Melanthiaceae

Large-flowered Trillium is a perennial wildflower indigenous to the piedmont and mountainous regions of North Carolina. This species typically thrives in lush cove forests and moist slopes, and, less commonly, on ridges composed of "rich" rock types. It propagates gradually through rhizomes.

The flowers of this trillium are among the largest and most striking, measuring 2 to 4 inches in diameter and positioned above large, glossy green bracts. For optimal growth, it should be planted in areas with partial to full shade and in well-drained, humus-rich soil. It creates a stunning visual impact when mass-planted in woodland environments.

Regarding pests and diseases, Large-flowered Trillium faces few significant issues. Occasionally, slugs and snails may pose a threat, and it can experience minor diseases such as leaf spot, rust, and smut. However, it is worth noting that this plant does not transplant easily.

Trillium grandiflorum Feature Summary

Trillium grandiflorum Image Gallery

Tags

#white
#showy flowers
#poisonous
#edible plant
#perennial
#white flowers
#red berries
#wildlife plant
#pink flowers
#partial sun
#showy
#moths
#shade tolerant
#native perennial
#piedmont
#shade garden
#spring flowers
#slopes
#small mammals
#moist soil
#food source
#herbaceous
#NC native
#well-drained soil
#perennial flowers
#poisonous berries
#neutral ph
#small and large mammals
#herbaceous perennial
#red fruits
#native garden
#attractive leaves
#mountains
#small plant
#forests
#colonies
#summer interest
#cutting garden
#spring interest
#pollinator plant
#native wildflower
#wildflower garden
#naturalized area
#late spring flowers
#early spring flowers
#larval host plant
#fruits summer
#food source summer
#edible
#forb
#NC Native Pollinator Plant
#food source herbage
#food source nectar
#food source pollen
#fruits
#native
#perennials
#pollen plant
#food source soft mast fruit
#banks
#moth larvae
#food source mid-summer
#partial shade tolerant
#HS302
#pink
#food source flowers
#bee friendly
#audubon
#woodlands
#heavy shade tolerant

Similar Plants

Trillium grandiflorum Feature Summary

Attributes
Trilliums have been used in herbal medicine
Eastern North America
AL , CT , DC , DE , GA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , SC , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV Canada: ON , QC
Bees and other pollinating insects enjoy the nectar from the flowers. Moths use this plant as a larval host. Small mammals enjoy the berries as a food source.
EDIBLE PARTS: Young, unfolding leaves HARVEST TIME: Only collect leaves from areas you know have NOT been treated with pesticides. SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES: Wash leaves in warm water to remove dirt and debris. Do not use dish detergent or any type of sanitizer. These products can leave a residue. Cook in boiling, salted water for ten minutes and serve like greens. SOURCE: Crowhurst, A. 1972. The Weed Cookbook. Lancer Books, Inc. New York, 190 pp.
Perennial
Wildlife Food Source
Attracts Pollinators
Attractive Flowers
Wildlife Larval Host
Fruit
6-parted berry-like capsules with seeds dispersed by ants. In North Carolina, fruits are available from July to August.
Capsule
Berry
Red/Burgundy
< 1 inch
Flowers
2-4 in. flower on an erect or slightly leaning stalk; three broad petals overlap at the base, forming a tube; petals are white to pink in color. In North Carolina, flowers are available from April to May.
Pink
White
2-3 rays/petals
Funnel
Star
1-3 inches
Leaves
Stout stem with three large, broadly oval to egg-shaped, nearly stalkless leaves that are actually bracts. Parallel primary venation.
3-6 inches
3-6 inches
Stem
The stem is light green or pale reddish-green and smooth.
Green
Red/Burgundy
Smooth (glabrous)
Straight
Poisonous to Humans
Toxicity unknown, but caution because of its relationship with known toxic plants.
Fruits
Roots
Whole Plant Traits
Perennial
Herbaceous Perennial
Native Plant
Poisonous
Wildflower
Erect
Spreading
Medium
Cultural Conditions
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
Acid (<6.0)
Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Good Drainage
Moist
Mountains
Piedmont
4a
4b
5b
5a
6a
6b
7a
7b
8b
8a
High Organic Matter
Landscape
Pollinator Garden
Native Garden
Shade Garden
Mass Planting
Small groups
Woodland
Naturalized Area
Slope/Bank
Pollinators
Bees
Moths
Small Mammals

Trillium grandiflorum Attributes

Trillium grandiflorum: Uses (Ethnobotany)

Trilliums have been used in herbal medicine

Trillium grandiflorum: Country Or Region Of Origin

Eastern North America

Trillium grandiflorum: Distribution

AL , CT , DC , DE , GA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , SC , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV Canada: ON , QC

Trillium grandiflorum: Wildlife Value

Bees and other pollinating insects enjoy the nectar from the flowers. Moths use this plant as a larval host. Small mammals enjoy the berries as a food source.

Trillium grandiflorum: Edibility

EDIBLE PARTS: Young, unfolding leaves HARVEST TIME: Only collect leaves from areas you know have NOT been treated with pesticides. SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES: Wash leaves in warm water to remove dirt and debris. Do not use dish detergent or any type of sanitizer. These products can leave a residue. Cook in boiling, salted water for ten minutes and serve like greens. SOURCE: Crowhurst, A. 1972. The Weed Cookbook. Lancer Books, Inc. New York, 190 pp.

Trillium grandiflorum: Life Cycle

Annual
Biennial
Bulb
Perennial
Woody

Trillium grandiflorum: Recommended Propagation Strategy

Division
Grafting
Layering
Leaf Cutting
Root Cutting
Seed
Stem Cutting

Trillium grandiflorum: Play Value

Attractive Flowers
Attracts Pollinators
Buffer
Colorful
Defines Paths
Easy to Grow
Edible fruit
Fragrance
Pieces Used in Games
Screening
Shade
Sound
Textural
Wildlife Cover/Habitat
Wildlife Food Source
Wildlife Larval Host
Wildlife Nesting
Wind Break
Wind Shimmer

Trillium grandiflorum Fruit

Trillium grandiflorum: Fruit Description

6-parted berry-like capsules with seeds dispersed by ants. In North Carolina, fruits are available from July to August.

Trillium grandiflorum: Fruit Type

Achene
Aggregate
Berry
Capsule
Caryopsis
Drupe
Follicle
Legume
Nut
Pome
Samara
Schizocarp
Siliqua

Trillium grandiflorum: Fruit Color

grass
Red/Burgundy

Trillium grandiflorum: Display/Harvest Time

Fall
Spring
Summer
Winter

Trillium grandiflorum: Fruit Length

< 1 inch
1-3 inches
> 3 inches

Trillium grandiflorum: Fruit Width

< 1 inch
1-3 inches
> 3 inches

Trillium grandiflorum Flowers

Trillium grandiflorum: Flower Description

2-4 in. flower on an erect or slightly leaning stalk; three broad petals overlap at the base, forming a tube; petals are white to pink in color. In North Carolina, flowers are available from April to May.

Trillium grandiflorum: Flower Color

filter_vintage
Pink
filter_vintage
White

Trillium grandiflorum: Flower Inflorescence

Catkin
Corymb
Cyme
Head
Insignificant
Panicle
Raceme
Solitary
Spadix
Spike
Umbel

Trillium grandiflorum: Flower Value To Gardener

Edible
Fragrant
Good Cut
Good Dried
Long Bloom Season
Long-lasting
Showy

Trillium grandiflorum: Flower Bloom Time

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Trillium grandiflorum: Flower Petals

2-3 rays/petals
4-5 petals/rays
6 petals/rays
7 - 20 petals/rays
asymmetrical petals
Bracts
Colored Sepals
fused petals
more than 20 petals/rays
Tepals

Trillium grandiflorum: Flower Shape

Bell
Cross
Crown
Cup
Dome
Funnel
Irregular
Lipped
Radial
Saucer
Star
Trumpet
Tubular
Urn
Wheel

Trillium grandiflorum: Flower Size

1-3 inches
3-6 inches
< 1 inch
> 6 inches

Trillium grandiflorum Leaves

Trillium grandiflorum: Leaf Description

Stout stem with three large, broadly oval to egg-shaped, nearly stalkless leaves that are actually bracts. Parallel primary venation.

Trillium grandiflorum: Leaf Color

spa
Green

Trillium grandiflorum: Leaf Type

Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
Fronds
Needles
Sheath
Simple

Trillium grandiflorum: Leaf Arrangement

Alternate
Opposite
Other/more complex
Rosulate
Whorled

Trillium grandiflorum: Leaf Shape

Acicular
Auriculate
Cordate
Cuneate
Deltoid
Elliptical
Filiform
Lanceolate
Linear
Oblanceolate
Oblong
Obovate
Obtuse
Orbicular
Ovate
Palmasect
Palmatifid
Peltate
Pinnatifid
Pinnatisect
Reniform
Rhomboidal
Spatulate
Subcordate
Subulate

Trillium grandiflorum: Leaf Margin

Crenate
Crenulate
Dentate
Denticulate
Doubly Crenate
Doubly Dentate
Doubly Serrate
Entire
Lobed
Serrate
Sinuate
Undulate

Trillium grandiflorum: Hairs Present

No
Yes

Trillium grandiflorum: Leaf Length

< 1 inch
1-3 inches
3-6 inches
> 6 inches

Trillium grandiflorum: Leaf Feel

Fleshy
Glossy
Leathery
Papery
Prickly
Rough
Rubbery
Slippery
Smooth
Soft
Velvety
Waxy

Trillium grandiflorum: Leaf Width

< 1 inch
1-3 inches
3-6 inches
> 6 inches

Trillium grandiflorum Stem

Trillium grandiflorum: Stem Description

The stem is light green or pale reddish-green and smooth.

Trillium grandiflorum: Stem Color

grass
Green
grass
Red/Burgundy

Trillium grandiflorum: Stem Is Aromatic

No
Yes

Trillium grandiflorum: Stem Cross Section

Angular
Oval
Round
Square

Trillium grandiflorum: Stem Surface

Corky Ridges
Covered with a powdery bloom (glaucous)
Dull
Hairy (pubescent)
Polished
Smooth (glabrous)

Trillium grandiflorum: Stem Form

Straight
Zig Zags

Trillium grandiflorum Poisonous to Humans

Trillium grandiflorum: Poison Symptoms

Unknown

Trillium grandiflorum: Poison Toxic Principle

Toxicity unknown, but caution because of its relationship with known toxic plants.

Trillium grandiflorum: Poison Severity

High
Low
Medium

Trillium grandiflorum: Causes Contact Dermatitis

No
Yes

Trillium grandiflorum: Poison Part

Bark
Flowers
Fruits
Leaves
Roots
Sap/Juice
Seeds
Stems

Trillium grandiflorum Whole Plant Traits

Trillium grandiflorum: Plant Type

Annual
Bulb
Carnivorous
Edible
Epiphyte
Fern
Ground Cover
Herb
Herbaceous Perennial
Houseplant
Mushroom
Native Plant
Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
Perennial
Poisonous
Rose
Shrub
Succulent
Tree
Turfgrass
Vegetable
Vine
Water Plant
Weed
Wildflower

Trillium grandiflorum: Habit/Form

Arching
Ascending
Broad
Cascading
Climbing
Clumping
Columnar
Conical
Creeping
Dense
Erect
Horizontal
Irregular
Mounding
Multi-stemmed
Multi-trunked
Open
Oval
Prostrate
Pyramidal
Rounded
Spreading
Vase
Weeping

Trillium grandiflorum: Growth Rate

Slow
Medium
Rapid

Trillium grandiflorum: Maintenance

Low
Medium
High

Trillium grandiflorum: Texture

Fine
Medium
Coarse

Trillium grandiflorum Cultural Conditions

Trillium grandiflorum: Light

Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)

Trillium grandiflorum: Soil pH

Acid (<6.0)
Alkaline (>8.0)
Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Trillium grandiflorum: Soil Drainage

Frequent Standing Water
Good Drainage
Moist
Occasional Flooding
Occasionally Dry
Occasionally Wet
Very Dry

Trillium grandiflorum: Available Space To Plant

12 inches-3 feet
12-24 feet
24-60 feet
3 feet-6 feet
6-feet-12 feet
Less than 12 inches
more than 60 feet

Trillium grandiflorum: NC Region

Coastal
Mountains
Piedmont

Trillium grandiflorum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

thermostat
4a
thermostat
4b
thermostat
5a
thermostat
5b
thermostat
6a
thermostat
6b
thermostat
7a
thermostat
7b
thermostat
8a
thermostat
8b

Trillium grandiflorum: Soil Texture

Clay
High Organic Matter
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Shallow Rocky

Trillium grandiflorum Landscape

Trillium grandiflorum: Landscape Theme

Asian Garden
Butterfly Garden
Children's Garden
Cottage Garden
Cutting Garden
Drought Tolerant Garden
Edible Garden
English Garden
Fairy Garden
Garden for the Blind
Native Garden
Nighttime Garden
Pollinator Garden
Rain Garden
Rock Garden
Shade Garden
Water Garden
Winter Garden

Trillium grandiflorum: Design Feature

Accent
Barrier
Border
Flowering Tree
Foundation Planting
Hedge
Mass Planting
Screen/Privacy
Security
Shade Tree
Small groups
Small Tree
Specimen
Street Tree
Understory Tree

Trillium grandiflorum: Landscape Location

Coastal
Container
Hanging Baskets
Houseplants
Lawn
Meadow
Naturalized Area
Near Septic
Patio
Pond
Pool/Hardscape
Recreational Play Area
Riparian
Rock Wall
Slope/Bank
Small Space
Vertical Spaces
Walkways
Woodland

Trillium grandiflorum: Attracts

Bats
Bees
Butterflies
Frogs
Hummingbirds
Moths
Pollinators
Predatory Insects
Reptiles
Small Mammals
Songbirds
Specialized Bees