Giant Trillium

Trillium albidum

Giant trillium is a perennial wildflower native to moist forests and woodlands of the Pacific Northwest and northern California. Emerging in early spring, it produces a single whorl of three broad, mottled green leaves and a solitary, showy white flower that sits directly above them. As the bloom ages, it often turns pink or purple before fading. Preferring rich, shaded soils, giant trillium is an important understory species that provides early-season nectar and pollen for insects. Its striking flowers and seasonal presence make it a signature component of spring wildflower displays in Northwest forests. They are sometimes called wake-robin because they bloom in early spring as the robins begin to nest. Giant trillium can be differentiated from Western trillium by the leaves, which are larger and mottled, and the flowers which set directly on the leaves, while Western trillium flowers are on a stem sitting above the leaves.