Family: Melanthiaceae
Author: (Michx.) Salisb.
Bibliography: Parad. Lond. 1: t. 1 (1805)
Year: 1805
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Trillium
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Large White Trillium, scientifically known as Trillium grandiflorum, is a striking perennial herbaceous plant native to Eastern Canada and the eastern regions of the United States, extending as far south as North Carolina. Belonging to the Melanthiaceae family, this elegant wildflower is celebrated for its prominent three-petaled white blooms, which find their place in the springtime forest understory.
The plant was first described bibliographically in 1805 in Parad. Lond., a testament to its long-standing recognition and admiration within botanical circles. Authored by (Michx.) Salisb., the Large White Trillium has been subject to diverse ecological and horticultural studies, highlighting its importance in native plant gardens and woodland habitats.
Each Trillium grandiflorum plant showcases a trio of ovate leaves arranged in a whorl at the top of a single stem, supporting a solitary flower. The blossom, which typically emerges in early spring, can measure up to 10 centimeters in diameter. Initially white, the petals may transition to a pinkish hue as they mature, adding to the visual interest of the plant. This unique coloration shift often signals the beginning of the flower’s pollination period.
The Large White Trillium flourishes in rich, deciduous forests where it benefits from moist, well-drained soils and dappled sunlight. Its presence is an indicator of a healthy, thriving woodland ecosystem. However, the species has also adapted to various garden settings where it is appreciated for its natural beauty and low maintenance requirements.
While Trillium grandiflorum is a standout species of the North American flora, it faces threats from habitat destruction and over-collection. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this emblematic plant, ensuring it continues to grace the forests and gardens for future generations to admire.
Common Names
Eng: great white trillium, large white trillium, white trillium, white wakerobin, large-flowered trillium, large-flower trillium, snow trillium, trille grandiflore
Swe: stort treblad
Fra: trille blanc, trille à grande fleur, trille grandiflore
En: Large white trillium, White trillium, Great white trillium, Large-flowered trillium, White wake-robin, Snow Trillium, White Wakerobin, Large-flower Trillium, Trille Grandiflore
Cs: Trojčetka velkokvětá
Fi: Isokolmilehti
Fr: Trille blanc, Trille à Grande Fleur, Trille grandiflore
De: Großblütige Waldlilie
Sv: Stort treblad
Uk: Великий білий трілліум
Synonyms
- Trillium erythrocarpum (Curtis)
- Trillium grandiflorum f. divisum (Louis-Marie)
- Trillium grandiflorum f. dimerum (Louis-Marie)
- Trillium grandiflorum f. polymerum (Vict.)
- Trillium liroides f. vegetum (Farw.)
- Trillium grandiflorum f. viride (Farw.)
- Trillium grandiflorum f. roseum (Farw.)
- Trillium grandiflorum f. lirioides ((Raf.) Vict.)
- Trillium lirioides f. giganteum (Farw.)
- Trillium chandleri f. foliaceum (Farw.)
- Trillium chandleri (Farw.)
- Trillium lirioides f. albomarginatum (Farw.)
- Trillium lirioides f. variegatum (Farw.)
- Trillium chandleri f. subulatum (Farw.)
- Trillium chandleri f. plenum (Farw.)
- Trillium grandiflorum var. minimum (N.Coleman)
- Trillium chandleri f. palaceum (Farw.)
- Trillium obcordatum (Raf.)
- Trillium grandiflorum f. chandleri ((Farw.) Vict.)
- Trillium chandleri f. gladewitzii (Farw.)
- Trillium grandiflorum f. striatum (Louis-Marie)
- Trillium grandiflorum f. regressum (Louis-Marie)
- Trillium grandiflorum f. petalosum (Louis-Marie)
- Trillium grandiflorum f. elongatum (Louis-Marie)
- Trillium rhomboideum var. grandiflorum (Michx.)
- Trillium grandiflorum var. macropetalum (Regel)
- Trillium lirioides (Raf.)
- Trillium lirioides f. ungulatum (Farw.)
- Trillium lirioides f. subsessile (Farw.)
- Trillium lirioides var. longipetiolatum (Farw.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Apr 29, 2021 by bray j (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2021 by Hannah Ponting (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 11, 2021 by pickle pickle (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2021 by Terlecki Michael (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 2, 2021 by Hannah Prokop (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 18, 2022 by Kevin Fernandes (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2022 by Kevin Fernandes (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 19, 2021 by Sebastian Harvey (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2021 by tony puim (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2020 by gwtaylor (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2021 by Cornelia Beilke (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 18, 2011 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 15, 2021 by malot w (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 10, 2022 by Lindsey Cunningham (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Michael Jacobsen (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2019 by Carole England (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 5, 2020 by Emily Cool (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Wolf2Gaming (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2742283)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:542553-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trillium grandiflorum (Michx.) Salisb.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb