Trillium grandiflorum

Species of flowering plant

Trillium grandiflorum, commonly known as the white trillium, is a species of flowering plant in the family Melanthiaceae. It is native to eastern North America, ranging from Quebec to Minnesota and south to Georgia.

Description

Trillium grandiflorum is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows from a rhizome. It typically reaches a height of 15 to 30 cm. The plant has a whorl of three leaves, each up to 12 cm long and 8 cm wide, with a prominent venation pattern. The leaves are ovate and have a smooth texture.

The flower of T. grandiflorum is large and showy, with three white petals that can measure up to 5 cm in length. The petals are arranged in a whorl above the leaves, and the flower has three green sepals beneath the petals. The flower's center contains six stamens and a single pistil. As the flower ages, the petals often turn pink.

Habitat

Trillium grandiflorum is found in rich, deciduous forests, often in areas with moist, well-drained soil. It prefers shaded environments and is commonly found in the understory of hardwood forests. The plant is a spring ephemeral, meaning it blooms early in the spring before the forest canopy fully develops.

Reproduction

The plant reproduces both sexually, through seed production, and asexually, through rhizome division. Pollination is primarily carried out by ants and other insects attracted to the flower's nectar. The seeds have a fleshy appendage called an elaiosome, which is attractive to ants, aiding in seed dispersal.

Conservation

Trillium grandiflorum is considered a species of least concern, but it is protected in some areas due to habitat loss and over-collection. It is the official floral emblem of the province of Ontario, Canada.

Cultural significance

The white trillium is a symbol of Ontario and is featured on the Franco-Ontarian flag. It is also a popular plant in gardens due to its attractive flowers and foliage.

Gallery

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  Clonal colony of Trillium grandiflorum
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  Closeup of Trillium grandiflorum leaf
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  Trillium grandiflorum with pink petals
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  White trillium flower
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  Trillium grandiflorum in North Walker Woods
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  Double-flowered form of Trillium grandiflorum
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  Franco-Ontarian flag featuring the trillium

Related pages

• Trillium
• Melanthiaceae
• Flora of North America

References

• Case, Frederick W., and Case, Roberta B. Trilliums. Timber Press, 1997.
• Gleason, Henry A., and Cronquist, Arthur. Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada. New York Botanical Garden, 1991.

Trillium grandiflorum

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  Trillium grandiflorum at Backus Woods
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  Trillium grandiflorum clonal colony
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  White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum) Leaf Closeup
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  Trillium grandiflorum pink
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  White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum) Flower
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  Trillium grandiflorum at the North Walker Woods
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  Double Trillium grandiflorum
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  Trillium grandiflorum