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Cox, Fran
Trillium ovatum Pursh
Pacific trillium, Western wakerobin, Coast trillium
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
USDA Symbol: TROV2
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
The 8-20 in. stem of this variable trillium bears leaves in a whorl of three. The flower rises on a short stalk above the leaves and is pure white, fading to rose at the end of a week. Very large-flowered forms come from the Siskiyous of n.w. CA. This is a perennial plant. A low plant with 1 white flower on a short stalk that grows from the center of a whorl of 3 broad, ovate leaves at top of an otherwise leafless stem.
The name Wake Robin indicates that the flowers bloom in early spring, about the time the robin arrives. Only one other species in the West has a stalk between the flower and the leaves, Klamath Trillium (T. rivale), of northwestern California and southwestern Oregon. Giant Wake Robin (T. chloropetolum), which grows in dense patches west of the Cascade Mountains and in the Sierra Nevada, has no stalks at the base of the mottled leaves. Its petals vary from white to maroon; if maroon, usually with a white base. Roundleaf Trillium (T. petiolatum), from eastern Washington and Oregon, has long stalks on the leaves and dark red-brown petals.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: CA , CO , ID , MT , OR , WA , WYCanada: AB , BC
Native Distribution: B.C. to s.w. Alt., s. through Coast Ranges to Monterey Co. & Rockies to CO
Native Habitat: Moist, wooded slopes; stream banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part Shade , ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist , Wet
Drought Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Cool, moist soils.
Conditions Comments: Do not let them dry out.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Other Showy InsectsUse Food: EDIBLE PARTS / PREPARATION: Young, unfolding leaves. Wash leaves in warm water to remove dirt and debris. Do not use dish detergent or any type of sanitizer. Cook in boiling, salted water for ten minutes and serve like greens. (Poisonous Plants of N.C.)
Warning: POISONOUS PARTS: Berries and roots. Only low toxicity if eaten. Toxic Principle: Toxicity unknown, but caution because of its relationship with known toxic plants.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Propagation
Description: Rhizome division or seed. Seeds do best when planted outdoors soon after fruits have ripened. Seedlings take many years to bloom. Divide rhizomes in fall.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: 1 month stratification is necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 928 - 100 easy-to-grow native plants for Canadian gardens (2005) Johnson, L.; A. LeyerleSearch More Titles in Bibliography
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1987 VOL. 4, NO.1 - One Million Bequest Announced, Lady Bird Johnson On Celebrating Four Years, Spri...
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Trillium ovatum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Trillium ovatum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Trillium ovatum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2010-05-01Research By: TWC Staff
