Showy white flower of Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Showy white flower of Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Showy white flower of Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Flower of Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum) turning purple as it dies back. One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.

Western Trillium

Trillium ovatum

  • Size at maturity: 4-18", 6-24" wide
  • Canopy layer: groundcover
  • Light requirements: full shade, part-sun/part-shade
  • Moisture requirements: moist soil
  • Special features: medicinal

Western Trillium is a well-known woodland flower celebrated every year at Tryon Creek's Trillium Festival. Bulbs produce a bright triplet of leaves with white flower above announcing spring, flowers turning purple to brown in summer. Normally long-lived plant forming a clump as it ages, but often perishes if flowers are picked - admire this flower in nature, not in a vase! Needs soil rich with organic matter, recommend planting alongside decomposing forest wood.

Photo Credit 1: Tara Lemezis, Tiny Seed Photography

Photo Credits 2 - 4: Tracy Cozine & Nikkie West, Sparrowhawk Native Plants

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