Declined Trillium Trillium flexipes

Bent white trillium is a native, herbaceous perennial wildflower in the trillium family (Melanthiaceae). It is native to a wide area of the middle South, the Midwest, the eastern US and adjacent Canada. It is native to the mountains of North Carolina. The species epithet means “flexible foot” and describes the flexible pedicle that bends under the weight of the flower.

Bent white trillium prefers dappled shade and moist, high organic matter, loamy soils with a layer of leaf litter to maintain moisture and temperatures. Most of its growth occurs in early spring before the over-canopy trees leaf out.

The pedicellate flowers are up to 2 inches across, white and three-petaled and often nod beneath the large bracts on recurved stems. The flowers attract bees, yellow jackets and other pollinating insects. It is the larval host plant for the black-patched clepsis moth (Clepsis melaleucanus) and American angle shades moth (Euplexia benesimilis). Small mammals and ants enjoy the seeds and berries as a food source. It is dormant by mid-summer. In North Carolina, it is treated as a Significantly Rare/Historical species. 

Plant in woodland or naturalized areas. The plant forms clumps over time. Bent white trillium will not do well in hot summer areas.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems. Slugs and snails are occasional pests and leaf spot, rust and smut are occasional disease problems. It does not transplant well.

More information on Trillium.