Pacific Trillium
Trillium ovatum
Also known as Western Trillium, Coast Trillium, Coast Wakerobin
Climate Match for your location
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A spring-blooming woodland perennial with three white petals that age to pink, native to the Pacific Northwest. Prefers partial shade and humus-rich soil, making it ideal for shaded garden beds and forest edges.
Why grow it
Pacific trillium offers reliable spring color in shade conditions where many perennials struggle, with the bonus of flowers that shift from white to pink over several weeks. Compared to other woodland trilliums, this species establishes more readily in cultivation and tolerates a broader range of Pacific Northwest conditions. It requires minimal maintenance once established and provides early season interest before deciduous tree canopy fully closes.
Watch out for
Plants take several years to reach flowering size from seed, so divisions or nursery starts will give faster results if immediate bloom is desired. Slugs and deer can browse foliage and flower buds, particularly in wet springs, though damage is rarely severe enough to kill established clumps. Overly wet or poorly draining soils may lead to rot, so amend heavy clay with organic matter before planting.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Melanthiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest, North America
Native to: California, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A spring-blooming woodland perennial with three white petals that age to pink, native to the Pacific Northwest. Prefers partial shade and humus-rich soil, making it ideal for shaded garden beds and forest edges.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Pacific Trillium grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Pacific trillium offers reliable spring color in shade conditions where many perennials struggle, with the bonus of flowers that shift from white to pink over several weeks. Compared to other woodland trilliums, this species establishes more readily in cultivation and tolerates a broader range of Pacific Northwest conditions. It requires minimal maintenance once established and provides early season interest before deciduous tree canopy fully closes.
Watch out for
Plants take several years to reach flowering size from seed, so divisions or nursery starts will give faster results if immediate bloom is desired. Slugs and deer can browse foliage and flower buds, particularly in wet springs, though damage is rarely severe enough to kill established clumps. Overly wet or poorly draining soils may lead to rot, so amend heavy clay with organic matter before planting.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Melanthiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest, North America
Native to: California, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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