The Trillium – my favorite wildflower.

Yes, a trillium is an unusual plant.   It grows in cooler temperature areas like Wisconsin.  I remember them vividly from when I grew up in Northern Ontario, Canada.  Yup, I’m from pretty far north!

They were just in the forest.  In the shady areas.  Where often, they received very little sunshine.   But their bright white coloring just stood out in the contrast to the brown or green ground.   They often grow in the same areas as ground moss.  Not a scientific fact, just a personal observation.

See, here’s proof!  The back of my house faces North and parts get hardly any sunshine.   Moss is even starting to grow.  But, I like it and will be very careful with the new mulch that I’ll be spreading.

Now, something very important to know about the trillium.  They are protected by law in many areas.  In Ontario, they are illegal to pick.  Just picking the flower can damage the plant!  I also know that in Michigan and Minnesota, they are protected too.  Please do not help yourself to either the flower or plant!

If, like me, you really want trilliums, first of all, make sure you have the appropriate place to plant them.  Very shady is perfect.  Plus, they need good soil.  I obtained my trilliums from a nursery.  The nursery’s that sell them make a point to let you know the trilliums they have a nursery propagated from seed.

The ‘root’ is a rhizome and the trillium is a perennial herb.  White is the most common color of the flower, but I have seen red ones too.  I covet some red ones but have never been able to obtain any.   Be warned, if you do order these from a nursery, the stock is always very limited.  Order as soon as you can for your best chance of obtaining the pretty wildflower.

If you live in the northern areas, keep your eyes open for these pretty wildflowers.  They are hard to miss when they are blooming!

What is your favorite wildflower?

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