Trillium ovatum

Common Names

Pacific Trillium, Western Trillium, Wake Robin, White Trillium, Western White Trillium, Coast Trillium

Summary

Trillium ovatum, commonly called Western Trillium or Pacific trillium, is a clump-forming perennial native to western North America. It grows from a rhizome with erect stems, a whorl of three broad leaves, and a solitary white flower with three petals that age to pink, often with a fragrant aroma, rising above the leaves; the plant dies back after flowering and regrows from the rhizome.

In cultivation it prefers shaded to partial shade and moist, humus-rich soil that is neutral to slightly acidic, with even moisture and good drainage; it is hardy in zones 4a–9b and commonly used in woodland or shaded garden settings, underplanting shrubs or within borders. Propagation is by rhizome division or seed; seeds require stratification and may take several years to flower, with seeds sometimes dispersed by ants; after planting, regular light maintenance and mulching can help retain moisture, while slugs and snails may be pests.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-18 inches

Spread

6-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5–8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained, humus-rich woodland soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (about 6.0–7.0).

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil (humus-rich woodland soil) that remains moist in summer, neutral to slightly acidic.

Soil pH

6.0-7.0, slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

White, turning pink to red with age

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Dark green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow-growing, typically takes 3–8 years to bloom or form a clump

Seasons of Interest

Spring

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees