Overview
Trillium undulatum is a spring-flowering woodland perennial growing 8-20 inches (20-50 cm) tall from a short rhizome, with a single erect stem. At the top sits a whorl of three broadly oval, pointed leaves 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long, tapering to a distinct stalk and often bronze-tinged as they emerge. A single flower is held on a short stalk above the leaves, with three white, wavy-edged petals 0.8-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) long, each marked at the base with an inverted V of deep pink to magenta. Flowering lasts a few weeks in spring, followed by a bright red, three-angled berry. It grows in cool, moist, strongly acidic woodland soils rich in humus, often under conifers and in mountain forests across eastern North America. The plant depends on soil fungi and an undisturbed leaf-litter layer, which makes it slow to establish and difficult to transplant. Seedlings take several years to reach flowering size, and deer browsing readily sets back wild colonies.
Native Range
Trillium undulatum is native to eastern North America, from eastern Canada and the Great Lakes south through the Appalachian Mountains to Georgia. It grows in cool, acidic, humus-rich woodland, often beneath conifers and at higher elevations.Suggested Uses
Grown in shaded native woodland and acid-soil gardens among ferns and mosses, in cool climates with reliable summer moisture. It suits naturalistic woodland plantings rather than borders or containers. It is placed in undisturbed pockets of humus-rich, acidic soil.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'8"
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, from April to June depending on elevation and latitude, with a single flower per stem opening above the leaves. The white petals with magenta centers last two to three weeks. A glossy red berry ripens by late summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white with magenta center markingsFoliage Description
green, bronze-tinged when youngGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight