Family: Melanthiaceae
Author: Pursh
Bibliography: Fl. Amer. Sept. 1: 245 (1813)
Year: 1813
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Trillium
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Canada to W. U.S.A.
Description
The Pacific trillium, scientifically known as Trillium ovatum, is a captivating plant native to the western regions of Canada and the United States. Discovered and described by Pursh in 1813, this species is part of the Melanthiaceae family, which is renowned for its unique and often striking flora.
This perennial plant thrives in moist, shady woodland environments, where it contributes to the undergrowth with its striking appearance. The Pacific trillium emerges in early spring, heralding the season with its three-petaled flowers that often captivate those who encounter it. The flowers typically exhibit a soothing white hue, though they can turn pink as they age, adding to the plant’s visual appeal.
The Trillium ovatum stands out due to its distinct architecture; it features a single, erect stem adorned with a whorl of three broadly ovate leaves. These leaves are as remarkable as the flowers, often showing dark green tones that enhance their natural aesthetic. The plant’s overall structure and symmetry have made it a subject of interest not only for botanists but also for nature enthusiasts and gardeners seeking native plant species for shade gardens.
In its native habitat, the Pacific trillium plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. Its flowers attract various pollinators, including bees and beetles, which support the reproduction of the plant and the overall health of the forest floor. Furthermore, this species contributes to the biodiversity of forest ecosystems, ensuring a rich and varied plant community.
Given its specific growing conditions, the Pacific trillium can be sensitive to environmental changes and human disturbances. Efforts to preserve its natural habitats are essential for maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystems it inhabits. Conservation measures may include protecting forest areas from overdevelopment, managing invasive species, and promoting sustainable forestry practices.
The Pacific trillium is not just a botanical curiosity; it is a symbol of the delicate and intricate relationships that define forest ecosystems in western Canada and the United States. Its presence marks the beauty and complexity of nature, encouraging ongoing appreciation and protection of natural habitats.
Through its enchanting blooms and vital ecological role, Trillium ovatum continues to be a cherished component of the natural heritage of its native regions.
Common Names
Eng: pacific trillium, western trillium, western wakerobin, white trillium, wood-lily, coast trillium, coast wakerobin, pacific wakerobin, western white trillium, western white wakerobin
Swe: mysktreblad
Fra: trille à feuilles ovées
En: Pacific trillium, White trillium, Wood-lily, Western trillium, Western wakerobin, Coast Trillium, Coast Wakerobin, Pacific Wakerobin, Western White Trillium, Western White Wakerobin
Bg: Яйцевиден трилиум
Zh: 太平洋延齡草
Fr: Trille à feuilles ovées
De: Westliche Dreizipfellilie
Sv: Mysktreblad
Synonyms
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Montana (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Apr 14, 2021 by Ronald Vice (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2021 by jordann kian (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2021 by Rebecca Townsend (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2021 by brittney olshaski (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2022 by Michelle Panoncial (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 2, 2021 by sananab (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2019 by Nathan (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 2, 2022 by Jayden Hartley (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 28, 2022 by Thomas Zhu (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2021 by David B (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Apr 14, 2012 by EOL − Chris Brown (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 26, 2012 by EOL − Chris Pincetich (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 11, 2012 by EOL − James Maughn (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 6, 2012 by EOL − Joshua Tewksbury (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 26, 2012 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)
Fruit
Taken Apr 22, 2012 by EOL − Franco Folini (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 1, 2011 by EOL − Danny Najera (cc-by)
Taken Feb 1, 2011 by EOL − Danny Najera (cc-by)
Taken Feb 1, 2011 by EOL − Danny Najera (cc-by)
Taken Jul 6, 2011 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Other
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2742413)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:317429-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trillium ovatum Pursh)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb