PlantWatch

Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)

Photo by Royal Botanical Gardens

Also known as: white trillium
French name: trille blanc
Bloom time: April to May
Report for: ON, QC

General: Woodland plant, 10–40 cm tall.

Leaves & Twigs: Three oval leaves on each plant, which taper gradually to a point.

Flowers & Fruit: Three distinctive white petals form a single white flower up to 10 cm across. Flowers fade over time to a dull pinkish purple shade, and become slightly transparent. The greenish, round fruit forms a six-sided, berry-like capsule.

Habitat: Trilliums are found in rich, moist, well-drained woods and wet areas at low to mid-elevations. They prefer semi-shade, and are often found under sugar maple and beech trees in open forests.

Sampling: If possible, select a patch of trilliums next to a trail so that you can make observations without stepping on growing plants. If these plants are very abundant, mark a section 1-metre square.

To Observe:

• First bloom: when the first flowers are open in the observed plants
• Mid bloom: when 50% of the flowers are open in the observed plants, but have not yet started turning pink.