Large-flower Trillium
Large-flower trillium (Photo by Bernt Solymar)
Five different species of trillium are found in Ontario:
- large-flower trillium, commonly known as white trillium
- nodding trillium
- red trillium
- painted trillium
- and the rare drooping trillium
Trilliums are members of the lily family. The "tri" in trillium comes from the multiple three parts of the trillium.
How does it distribute its seeds?
The large-flower trillium flowers in early spring and produces berries in mid- to late summer. The berries attract ants, who feed on parts of the seed. In turn, ants help spread the plant around by carrying the seeds to their nests, where they eventually germinate.
Large-flower trillium cluster (Photo by Bernt Solymar)
Did you know?
As the large-flower trillium flower ages, it turns light pink in colour. Large-flower trilliums with green stripes are diseased, since the green stripes indicate parasites in the plant.
Supported by the Weston Family Foundation.
