Large-flowered trillium is an herbaceous perennial wildflower in the trillium family (Melanthiaceae). It is native to a wide area of eastern North America, including the piedmont and mountains of North Carolina, in rich forests and mesic slopes. The species epithet is Latin for “large-flowered.” Plant in part to full shade in humus-rich, well-drained soils. The flowers are among the largest and showiest of the trilliums with flowers being 2 to 4 inches across and held above the large bracts that are glossy and green. This species is the larval host plant for the black-patched clepsis moth ( Clepsis melaleucanus ) and American angle shades moth ( Euplexia benesimilis ). The flowers' nectar attracts early-emerging native bees and honeybees. In areas where the plant is abundant, the large leaves provide cover for small mammals. Large-flowered trillium looks great in mass plantings in woodland settings. It spreads slowly by rhizomes. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. Slugs and snails are occasional pests and leaf spot, rust and smut are occasional disease problems. It does not transplant well. More information on Trillium .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in. | Width: 0 ft. 9 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect; Spreading
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Whorled
Leaf shape
Ovate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Glossy
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 3-6 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Stout stem with three large, broadly oval to egg-shaped, nearly stalkless leaves that are actually bracts. Parallel primary venation.
Flower color
Pink; White
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Solitary
Flower shape
Funnel; Star
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
2-4 in. flower on an erect or slightly leaning stalk; three broad petals overlap at the base, forming a tube; petals are white to pink in color. In North Carolina, flowers are available from April to May.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Red/Burgundy
Fruit type
Berry; Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
6-parted berry-like capsules with seeds dispersed by ants. In North Carolina, fruits are available from July to August.
Stem color
Green; Red/Burgundy
Stem detail
The stem is light green or pale reddish-green and smooth.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Eastern North America
Distribution
AL , CT , DC , DE , GA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , SC , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV Canada: ON , QC
Wildlife value
Trillium species are larval host plants for the black-patched clepsis and American angle shade moths. The flowers provide nectar for early-emerging native and honey bees. In areas where the plant is abundant, the large leaves provide cover for small mammals.
EDIBLE PARTS: Young, unfolding leaves HARVEST TIME: Only collect leaves from areas you know have NOT been treated with pesticides. SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES: Wash leaves in warm water to remove dirt and debris. Do not use dish detergent or any type of sanitizer. These products can leave a residue. Cook in boiling, salted water for ten minutes and serve like greens. SOURCE: Crowhurst, A. 1972. The Weed Cookbook. Lancer Books, Inc. New York, 190 pp.