The Trillium or western wake-robin as it is sometimes known is an attractive perennial wildflower suitable for shady woodland gardens. Plants arise early in spring, flower, and typically disappear by midsummer. The single stem measures 10-30 cm high and usually has 3 (occasionally 4-5) leaves at midstem or higher. Individual leaves are broadly ovate to deltoid-ovate in shape and measure 5-15 cm long and nearly as wide. The leaves are sessile or lack petioles.
The flower sits atop a 2-8 cm stalk. The 3 sepals are green and range from 1.5-6 cm long. They are narrowly oblong to oblong-elliptic in shape. The 3 (occasionally 4-5) white petals are 3-7 cm long and up to 3 cm wide. They frequently age to a lavender, reddish or pinkish color. This color change may signal insects that pollination has already occurred. The petals are lance-ovate to elliptic in shape. The filaments of the 6 stamens are 3-6 mm long and the cream to light yellow anthers measure 6-14 mm long. The capsule is broadly ovoid and narrowly winged. It commonly turns purplish red as it ages.
Trilliums make great wildflowers for the woodland garden. Give them plenty of loose, fertile woodland soil. They'll bloom early in the spring (or as late as May in higher altitudes) and the leaves will then persist for up to a month or so before disappearing. The bulbs should be easily obtainable from many wildflower nurseries.
Western wake-robin is found in open to moist, shady woods and along streambanks.
Western wake-robin may be found from coastal British Columbia south to central California and east to the Rocky Mountains of southwestern Alberta, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.
