Sweet Wakerobin Trillium vaseyi

Vasey's trillium is a large, herbaceous perennial wildflower that is found in the southern part of the Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern USA. It is a member of the trillium family (Melanthiaceae). The species epithet honors the 19th-century collector of the species, George Richard Vasey (the son of George [S.] Vasey, USDA botanist and curator of the US National Herbarium). 

Plant it in the part to full shade in humus-rich moist soils. Trilliums generally go dormant by mid-summer.

It naturally occurs in woodlands in rich moist soil. It is often confused with Trillium erectum. Vasey’s trillium is a tall plant with nodding flowers that are often found between the whorled bracts, whereas T. erectum is shorter and has nodding flowers that rest above the bracts. The dark red (or occasionally white), nodding flower is up to 4" across, making it one of the largest flowers of all the trilliums. The flowers, which have a foetid odor, 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 consume the fruits and seeds.

This species is appropriate for a shaded woodland, pollinator garden or native plant garden.

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.