Yellow trillium is an herbaceous perennial wildflower native to the Great Smoky Mountains and is found in the westernmost counties of North Carolina. It is member of the trillium family (Melanthiaceae). The species epithet is Latin for deep yellow. Plant in humus-rich moist well-drained soil in part to full shade. They usually die down by mid-summer. The upright stemless three-petaled flowers have a lemony scent and appear in spring above the showy mottled bracts. Pollen and nectar of the flowers attract bees, yellow jackets and other pollinating insects. Yellow trillium is a larval host plant for the black-patched clepsis moth ( Clepsis melaleucanus ) and American angle shades moth ( Euplexia benesimilis ) . Small mammals and ants enjoy the fruits and seeds as a food source. In nature, it can be found in moist soils especially over calcareous rocks in woodland settings or along streams. This is a wildflower for woodland gardens and native plant gardens. Left undisturbed, this plant will form colonies over time. 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.
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
Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Mountains
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 6 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect; Spreading
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Gray/Silver; Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Whorled
Leaf shape
Elliptical
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 3-6 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
A whorl of three elliptical leaves that are actually bracts are up to 2.5- 6 inches long by 2.5- 4 inches wide and mottled greens to gray-green.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow
Flower value
Fragrant; Showy
Flower form
Solitary
Flower shape
Cup
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
Three 2-inch long yellow upright slightly twisted petals and 3 sepals. Flowers are sessile (stemless) and have a lemony fragrance. In North Carolina, flowers are available from March to April.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Green; White
Fruit type
Berry; Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Green to greenish-white, sometimes with purple streaks berry-like capsules that are dispersed by ants. In North Carolina, fruits are available from May to June.
Stem color
Green; Red/Burgundy
Stem detail
Green to reddish stems grow from the rhizomes
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Southeastern United States
Distribution
NC, GA, TN
Wildlife value
Pollen and nectar of the flowers attract bees, yellow jackets, and other pollinating insects. Host plant for larvae of black-patched clepsis moth (Clepsis melaleucanus) and American angle shades moth (Euplexia benesimilis). Small mammals and ants enjoy the seeds and fruits as a food source. Deer will browse the plant.
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.