While you are out enjoying nature in our community forests, local, state and national parks, it is time to start looking for Trillium Ovatum. They love blooming under Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) here on the north coast, where it lights up the understory with a triplet of leaves and a bright white flower.
Trillium ovatum’s common names are “western trillium” and “wake robin,” the latter due to its unofficial designation as a harbinger of spring. The deciduous, perennial, herbaceous plant grows from 4-18” in height with a single 3 petaled white flower. The flower has six stamens and the anthers are cream colored. As the flowers age, the white flower changes to pink or even burgundy. Trillium are known as spring ephemerals; as summer proceeds, they go into dormancy and mostly disappear. Those that are well established or receive adequate summer water usually maintain their greenery above ground following the flowering period. Trillium plants are very long lived and create a large clump with more abundant blooms over many years, taking 6-10 years to bloom from seed. One should admire its blooms in nature, not in a vase, as picking them will significantly diminish the plant, often eliminating blooms for several years!
Pollination occurs thanks to native bumble bees, moths and beetles. A single fleshy capsule is produced which is yellowish in color and slightly winged and berry like. The capsule contains numerous seeds which have nutritious proteins and fats that attract ants, who then carry the seeds back to feed their young in their underground nests. The ants leave the still-viable seed in their nests and seed dispersal is accomplished.
Trilliums rely on the right conditions to thrive. They prefer shaded or partly shaded, moist woodland gardens as well as moist but well-drained areas on the north or east side of houses. The soil is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic (pH 5.0 to 6.5) and where leaf litter and plentiful woody materials are left in place. Trillium can withstand minor droughts, but occasional summer water helps keep them going until the winter rains begin. Recently transplanted trilliums should be kept slightly moist during the first couple of summers, but beware as slugs adore Trilliums too.
Traditionally, the Karuk people use Trillium ovatum for medicinal purposes. The root is used to create an infusion to wash, soothe or treat sore eyes. The juice, obtained by scraping the rhizomes of the plant, is applied directly to treat boils and skin conditions.
Locally, Trillium ovatum plants are available for sale at the North Coast Chapter of the California Native Plant Society’s upcoming spring plant sale at Freshwater Farms Reserve, May 2nd and 3rd. A link to sign-up to attend the Saturday sale and a list of plants offered is up on the nursery website: https://northcoastcnpsnursery.org the beginning of April.
Chris Beresford is the Nursery Manager of the North Coast Chapter of the California Native Plant Society’s nursery, and serves as the Board Treasurer for the NEC and Bayside Corners.