Dwarf wakerobin is an herbaceous perennial wildflower in the trillium family (Melanthiaceae). It is native to the southeastern and south-central United States, with several described varieties. At least two varieties (one unnamed) occur in NC, where T. pusillum var. pusillum is Federally Endangered. These plants prefer moist humus-rich acidic soils in part to full shade. Left undisturbed they will spread to eventually form colonies by rhizomes. The dwarf wakerobin looks like a smaller version of the large-flowered trillium ( T. grandiflorum ). The flowers start off white aging to pale pink or lavender and occur in the spring. Pollen and nectar of the flowers attract bees, yellow jackets, and wasps. This is a larval host plant the black-patched clepsis moth ( Clepsis melaleucanus ) and American angle shades moth ( Euplexia benesimilis ) . Small mammals and ants enjoy the seeds and berries as a food source. 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
Acid (<6.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
Less than 12 inches
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 3 in. - 1 ft. 0 in. | Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 8 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect; Spreading
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Whorled
Leaf shape
Lanceolate; Oblong
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf size
1-3 inches long
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Whorl of three small (usually less than 3 in.), narrow, oblong lance-shaped leaves that are actually bracts.
Flower color
Pink; Purple/Lavender; White
Flower value
Fragrant
Flower form
Solitary
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
Up to 1 in. long 3 wavy petaled flowers on a short to long-stalk. In North Carolina, flowers are available from March to May. White aging to pinkish in color with a white ovary and six stamens tipped with lavender or yellow anthers
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
White
Fruit type
Berry; Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
6-parted berry-like capsule with seeds that are dispersed by ants. In North Carolina, the white fruits are available from June to July.
Stem color
Green; Red/Burgundy
Stem detail
Unbranched green to dark red stems
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Southeastern and south-central United States
Distribution
AL , AR , GA , KY , MD , MO , MS , NC , OK , SC , TN , VA , WV
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 fruits and seeds as a food source.
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.