by Christy Rybka

Trilliums are a group of wildflowers that belong to the Liliaceae family and can be identified by their three petals, three sepals, and three leaves. It’s easy to remember the name, Trillium, because it comes from the Latin tres, meaning three.

There are 38 species of Trilliums in the United States, with many native to Kentucky. Some of these species are described below.

Two Groups of Trilliums

Trilliums are classified into two main groups, including the Wakerobins (also known as the pedicellate group) and the Toadshades (also known as the sessile group). While Trilliums in the Wakerobin group have open flowers that sit upon a pedicel, Trilliums in the Toadshade group have upright flowers that sit directly upon the leaves.

Great White Trillium or Showy Trillium

This gorgeous Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum) belongs to the Wakerobin group and can be identified by its large, open and white flowers. In spring, these showy plants light up the forest floor and prefer woodland slopes and wet areas. After they’ve been pollinated, they often turn a shade of pink. To learn more, visit the following link to read our Great White Trillium plant profile.

Yellow Toadshade

The Yellow Toadshade (Trillium luteum) belongs to the Toadshade group and can be identified by its three yellowish petals that stand upright from the center of the three mottled leaves. These tall and striking plants may be recognized by a light lemony scent. To learn more about the Yellow Toadshade, visit the following link to read our Yellow Toadshade plant profile

Red Trillium

The Red Trillium (Trillium erectum) belongs to the Wakerobin group and can be identified by its three deeply red and open flowers that appear to nod from their raised position. Like other Trilliums, it prefers a shaded woodland setting. To learn more about the Red Trillium, click here: Red Trillium plant profile.

Large Toadshade or Sweet Betsy

The Large Toadshade (Trillium cuneatum) belongs to the Toadshade group and may be identified by its three red, upright petals growing from atop mottled leaves. It spreads by underground rhizomes in rich woodlands or along ledges by streams or rivers. To learn more, click here: Large Toadshade plant profile

Painted Trillium

The Painted Trillium (Trillium undulatum) belongs to the Wakerobin group and is named after its three white petals that appear “painted” a deep pink in the center of the flower. This dainty and gorgeous plant prefers to grow at higher elevations on in rich, acidic soil.

Visit Creasey Mahan’s stunning Woodland Garden in spring to see these gorgeous Trilliums and more spring wildflowers. The only exception is the Painted Trillium, which requires a higher elevation and different soil type. Enjoy!