Trillium (Trillium species)

April brings with it a beautiful display of Trilliums along many of the Arboretum’s trails. There are at least three species of Trillium present: Large-Flowered Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum) has a stalked large white flower and large dark green leaves. Sweet Betsy (T. cuneatum) and Yellow Trillium (T. luteum) have upright sessile flowers (no stalk) and mottled leaves—they differ in flower color, with the former being maroon to bronze and the latter yellow. These plants are especially conspicuous along the Heath Cove and Oak-Hickory trails.

The name Trillium comes from a Greek word “tris” meaning three. The leaves and flower parts of Trillium all occur in “3s.” Species with sessile flowers (no flower stalks) are commonly known as “Toadshades,” while those with stalked flowers are known as “Wakerobins.” Trillium leaves are said to be edible, and the leaves and roots have been used for medicinal purposes.

An interesting group of Trillium cuneatum and T. luteum is present along Old Kerr Hollow Road. This population has both yellow and maroon flowers, with others having intermediate colors between the two. Such populations may represent a hybrid swarm - i.e., a population of interbreeding hybrids.

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