Trillium grandiflorum
A charismatic wildflower with exquisite pure white petals
Trillium grandiflorum white trillium


White trillium is a beautiful inhabitant of western Pennsylvania featuring large, pure white flowers that gracefully fade to pink by late spring. Each flower is composed of three white petals, three light green sepals that are shorter than the petals, six stamens, three stigmas, and a central white ovary.
White trillium tends to form extensive colonies that slowly spread across rich woodlands. The main pollinators of this trillium are bees and wasps, while ants are responsible for dispersing its seeds.
Habitat & Range
Frequent in moist, rich woods. Prefers shade or part shade.
Mostly found in the western half of the state.
Wetland code: Not classified
Phenology
Flowers late April to early May.
Characteristics
Flowers single, 3 green sepals, 3 white petals that become pink with age; central white ovary, 6 stamens, 3 stigmas; 3-4″ across
peduncle (2 to 3″) erect or ascendingt, light green and smooth;
Leaves(bracts) simple, entire, green, in a whorl of 3; ovate to rhombic, acuminate tip, stalkless or almost so; primary veins prominent & parallel, secondary veins net-like; 4-6″ long
Stem(scape) erect, smooth, light green or light reddish-green
Fruit oval, red, 6-parted berry; darkens with age; < 1″ long;
Height up to 16″
Plant Codes
S-rank: S5 (Secure)
G-rank: G5 (Secure)
Faunal Associations
Bees and wasps are the main pollinators. Ants disperse seeds.