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Large White Trillium

Trillium grandiflorum

Also listed as Trillium chandleri, Trillium erythrocarpum

Also known as Large-flowered Trillium, Great White Trillium, White Trillium

herbaceousβ›… part shadeπŸ’§πŸ’§ moderate water❄ Hardy: Zone 4a – Zone 9b

Climate Match for your location

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A woodland perennial featuring three large white petals atop a single stem, blooming in spring. Native to eastern North American forests, it prefers shaded conditions and rich soil.

Why grow it

Large white trillium offers a reliable native woodland groundcover that performs well under the deep shade where many ornamentals struggle. It establishes more readily than some related species when planted with undisturbed leaf litter and consistent moisture, making it a practical choice for naturalized forest gardens in eastern North America. The three-petaled spring flowers provide early season interest without requiring deadheading or supplemental feeding once established.

Watch out for

Seeds take several years to mature and germinate unpredictably, so establishing populations from divisions or nursery-grown plants yields faster results than direct seeding. This species resents disturbance once settled, so choose planting locations carefully and minimize foot traffic in established patches. Plants may take three to five years to reach blooming size, requiring patience before visible results appear.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
slow
Size
1–1.5β€² tall Γ— 0.5–1β€² wide
Dormancy
deciduous
Family
Melanthiaceae
Pollinators & beneficial insects

Native to the United States

Native Range

Eastern North America

Native to: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

Spring

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Companion Planting

Plants well with