Paint trillium (Trillium undulatum, Neue Schriften Ges. Naturf. Freunde Berlin 3: 442 (1801))

Family: Melanthiaceae

Author: Willd.

Bibliography: Neue Schriften Ges. Naturf. Freunde Berlin 3: 442 (1801)

Year: 1801

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trillium

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to E. U.S.A.

Description

The Paint Trillium, known scientifically as Trillium undulatum, is a captivating perennial that belongs to the Melanthiaceae family. This elegant wildflower is native to the eastern regions of Canada and the United States, flourishing in the rich, shaded woodlands that these areas offer.

The plant is renowned for its delicate and distinctive three-petaled blooms, which typically appear in the spring. Each flower, perched gracefully atop a slender stem, showcases a unique combination of white petals with captivating brush strokes or splashes of pink or purple, resembling a masterfully painted piece of art—hence the common name “Paint Trillium.” The leaves of the Paint Trillium are equally noteworthy; arranged in a whorl of three, they are broad, ovate, and often exhibit a subtly undulating margin that adds to the plant’s overall visual appeal.

Historically, this species was first described and categorized in the year 1801, with authoritative credit given to Willd., as documented in the publication “Neue Schriften der Gesellschaft Naturforschender Freunde zu Berlin.” This early recognition highlights the long-standing appreciation and interest that botanists and nature enthusiasts have had for the Paint Trillium.

Ecologically, the Paint Trillium prefers moist, well-drained soils and is often found in the rich understory of deciduous forests. Its preference for shaded environments helps it to thrive away from direct sunlight, which aligns perfectly with the dappled light conditions of its native habitats. The species’ presence is sometimes indicative of undisturbed, mature forest ecosystems, making it a valued plant for conservationists and naturalists.

Whether admired for its aesthetic charm, its ecological significance, or its botanical history, the Paint Trillium stands out as a remarkable and cherished member of the Melanthiaceae family. Its elegant flowers and lush foliage continue to captivate all who encounter it in its natural woodland settings.

Common Names

Eng: paint trillium, painted trillium
Swe: krusigt treblad
En: Paint trillium, Painted trillium, Painted Wood Lily
Fr: Trille ondulé
Sv: Krusigt treblad

Synonyms

• Trillium undulatum f. striatum (Louis-Marie)
• Trillium undulatum f. polymerum (Vict. ex Louis-Marie)
• Trillidium undulatum ((Willd.) Floden & E.E.Schill.)
• Trillium cleavelandicum (Alph.Wood)
• Trillium pictum (Pursh)
• Trillium undulatum f. enotatum (T.S.Patrick)
• Trillium undulatum f. cleavelandicum ((Alph.Wood) Fernald)

Distribution

• Connecticut (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Aug 30, 2022 by heather alapi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Emmanuelle Desroches-Jacques (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by philip beef (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2020 by Catalin Gruia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2021 by Sonia Archambault (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 1, 2019 by Pierre-étienne Villeneuve (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by steeve hobbs (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by steeve hobbs (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Tabatha Smith (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2020 by Catalin Gruia (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 19, 2020 by Bree (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2021 by manon Raitiere (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2019 by samuel st-pierre (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2022 by Jessica Simmonds (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2021 by Elizabeth Anger (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 19, 2014 by EOL − Bob Heitzman (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 7, 2014 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 7, 2014 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 28, 2014 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 24, 2014 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2742335)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:328444-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trillium undulatum Willd.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth