The name “nodding” refers to its flowers, which droop beneath the leaves.
Flowers are white to pinkish, with recurved petals, and are held on drooping stalks beneath the leaf whorl—often hidden unless you look from below.
Spreads slowly by underground rhizomes, forming colonies over many years.
Seeds are dispersed by ants (myrmecochory) thanks to fatty elaiosomes.
The “hidden” flowers make this trillium especially rewarding for gardeners and hikers who take the time to look closely.
Long-lived and deer-resistant once established, but slow to naturalize.
The name “nodding” refers to its flowers, which droop beneath the leaves.
Flowers are white to pinkish, with recurved petals, and are held on drooping stalks beneath the leaf whorl—often hidden unless you look from below.
Spreads slowly by underground rhizomes, forming colonies over many years.
Seeds are dispersed by ants (myrmecochory) thanks to fatty elaiosomes.
The “hidden” flowers make this trillium especially rewarding for gardeners and hikers who take the time to look closely.
Long-lived and deer-resistant once established, but slow to naturalize.
Bloom: late spring to early summer
Habitats: along streams; cool, rich forests; shaded woodlands
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist
Plant type (height): forb (12 to 18 inches)
Requirements: partial sun to full shade
Soil: humus-rich
