Trillium undulatum

Trillium undulatum is a species of flowering plant in the family Melanthiaceae. It is commonly known as the Painted Trillium due to its distinctive, three-petaled white flowers with a central splash of red. This perennial herb is native to the eastern United States and Canada, where it is found in rich, moist, deciduous or mixed forests.

Description

Trillium undulatum is a perennial herb that grows up to 40 cm tall. The plant has a single, unbranched stem with a whorl of three leaves at the top. The leaves are broadly ovate, up to 15 cm long and 11 cm wide, with a pointed tip and a wavy margin. The flowers are solitary, borne on a short stalk above the leaves. They have three white petals, each with a central red stripe, and three green sepals. The fruit is a red berry.

Distribution and habitat

The Painted Trillium is native to the eastern United States and Canada. Its range extends from Nova Scotia and Quebec in the north, south to Georgia and west to Michigan and Minnesota. It is found in rich, moist, deciduous or mixed forests, often in the shade of mature trees.

Ecology

Trillium undulatum is a spring ephemeral, flowering in May and June before the canopy of the forest closes. The flowers are pollinated by insects, including bees and flies. The seeds are dispersed by ants, which are attracted to the elaiosomes, a fleshy structure attached to the seeds.

Conservation

The Painted Trillium is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like all species of Trillium, it is sensitive to habitat disturbance and loss. In some parts of its range, it is protected by law.

Cultivation

Trillium undulatum is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. It prefers a shady location and well-drained, humus-rich soil.