Newly opening Trillium in spring, photographer Shari Brewer
Trillium grow in rich deep moist soil of the forest
floor. The common name "Wakerobin" is because it is an early sign of spring and like the Robins is a harbinger of spring. "Tri"
meaning three,
the trillium has three Broad ovate "leaves" with three large white
petals, three sepals and showy white filaments and yellow anthers in
the center.
Beautiful Trillium growing along Bedal Creek Trail
The plants are perennials growing from rhizomes which produce scapes such as a garlic does, a strong straight stem with bracts encapsulating a flower. When the Trillium begins to open the three leaf like bracts open up and will become photosynthetic producing nourishment for the plant through sunlight.
Aging Trillium, photographer Nels Rasmussen, D.C.
As the Trillium matures it turns from a light pink to a
rich wine color the petals will soon drop away exposing fleshy capsule like fruit bearing seeds.
You will often times find trillium growing among Yellow Wood Violets, Western Bleeding Heart and Siberian Miner's Lettuce. You will find Trillium beginning to bloom in April and later in higher elevations Good trails to see Trillium are Beaver Lake , Lookout Tree, Old Sauk Trail, Bedal Creek and North Fork Sauk Trail.
You will often times find trillium growing among Yellow Wood Violets, Western Bleeding Heart and Siberian Miner's Lettuce. You will find Trillium beginning to bloom in April and later in higher elevations Good trails to see Trillium are Beaver Lake , Lookout Tree, Old Sauk Trail, Bedal Creek and North Fork Sauk Trail.