This trillium is also called Western Trillium and Western Wake Robin. The latter name derives from the timing of the arrival of robins in the Spring, along with the T. Ovatum bloom. The Pacific Trillium is common in our area, in forested, undisturbed areas. The mature plant has three large leaves and a flower with three oval shaped petals, hence the "ovatum" name. The leaves and flowers emerge from a potato-sized rhizome that takes seven years to bloom from seed.
Lewis and Clark had seen other trillium species in the East, but first came across T. Ovatum in April 1806, in the Columbia River Gorge. Research indicates that Native Americans used the leaves for a variety of ailments; the roots and berries are somewhat toxic however.
The Lady Bird Johnson Native Plant Database lists 36 different wild trillium species.
Curiously, the white petals turn purple as the flower matures. Typically this takes about a week.
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| Photo Courtesy LBJ NPD |
