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Trillium grandiflorum

Phonetic Spelling
TRIL-ee-um gran-dih-FLOR-um
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Large-flowered Trillium is a perennial wildflower native to the piedmont and mountains of North Carolina. In nature, it can be found in rich cove forests and mesic slopes, also less typically on ridges over "rich" rock types. It spreads slowly by rhizomes.

The flowers are among the largest and showiest of the trilliums with flowers being 2-4 inches across and held above the large bracts that are glossy and green. Plant in part to full shade in humus-rich well-drained soils. Looks great mass planted in woodland settings.

 

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.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#poisonous#small spaces#edible plant#white flowers#pink flowers#moth caterpillar host#native perennials#piedmont#shade garden#spring flowers#slopes#showy fruits#stream banks#small mammals#moist soil#herbaceous#NC native#well-drained soil#perennial flowers#poisonous fruits#neutral pH#small and large mammals#herbaceous perennial#red fruits#native garden#attractive leaves#mountains#summer interest#cutting garden#spring interest#pollinator plant#native wildflower#wildflower garden#naturalized area#flowers late spring#flowers early spring#larval host plant#fruits summer#food source summer#forb#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#food source soft mast fruit#partial shade tolerant#HS302#pink#food source flowers#bee friendly#Audubon#colonizing#heavy shade tolerant#woodland garden#perennial#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#poisonous#small spaces#edible plant#white flowers#pink flowers#moth caterpillar host#native perennials#piedmont#shade garden#spring flowers#slopes#showy fruits#stream banks#small mammals#moist soil#herbaceous#NC native#well-drained soil#perennial flowers#poisonous fruits#neutral pH#small and large mammals#herbaceous perennial#red fruits#native garden#attractive leaves#mountains#summer interest#cutting garden#spring interest#pollinator plant#native wildflower#wildflower garden#naturalized area#flowers late spring#flowers early spring#larval host plant#fruits summer#food source summer#forb#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#food source soft mast fruit#partial shade tolerant#HS302#pink#food source flowers#bee friendly#Audubon#colonizing#heavy shade tolerant#woodland garden#perennial#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Trillium
    Species:
    grandiflorum
    Family:
    Melanthiaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Trilliums have been used in herbal medicine
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Eastern North America
    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
    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.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Wildlife Food Source
    Wildlife Larval Host
    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.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 9 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    6-parted berry-like capsules with seeds dispersed by ants. In North Carolina, fruits are available from July to August.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Star
    Flower Petals:
    2-3 rays/petals
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    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.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Whorled
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Stout stem with three large, broadly oval to egg-shaped, nearly stalkless leaves that are actually bracts. Parallel primary venation.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Round
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    The stem is light green or pale reddish-green and smooth.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Slope/Bank
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Moths
    Pollinators
    Small Mammals
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Unknown
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Toxicity unknown, but caution because of its relationship with known toxic plants.
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Fruits
    Roots