Trilliums

Western White Trillium by The Cosmonaut on Wikimedia Commons

Trillium sp.

This week’s Wishlist Wednesday species is the Trillium plant. I feel like I am always seeing them in my flower guides, but not in the wild. I am drawn to their simplicity and symmetry. I was surprised to learn there are 38 species of Trillium found in the United States!

All Trilliums are in the lily family and grow from rhizomes. The species I am most used to seeing in my guidebook is the Western White Trillium (Trillium ovatum). These simple white flowers with three petals placed perfectly over their three leaves are most commonly found in coniferous and mixed forests. This Trillium species is considered a pedicillate Trillium, meaning the flower is raised above the leaves on a pedestal.

In Kansas, we have the Ozark Green Trillium (Trillium veriedescens), which is a sessile Trillium, so the flower looks like it is coming out from the leaves. The other species is the Toadshade Trillum (Trillium sessile), which is an awesome name. This species is also a sessile Trillium.  
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I’m keeping my eyes peeled for these simple, yet stunning flowers and will keep you posted!

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