Minnesota Wildflowers: Trillium

Large-Flowered Trillium

• The large-flowered trillium (Trillium grandiflorum) grows 8 to 18 inches tall, with oval to egg-shaped leaves that measure 3 to 6 inches long. The flower of this species measures 2 to 3 inches across and first appears white before maturing to a rosy pink. Petal width varies and the three green sepals on this trillium are narrower and shorter than the petals. The large-flowered trillium is primarily distributed across eastern and central Minnesota.

Snow Trillium

• The snow trillium (Trillium nivale), also commonly known as the dwarf white trillium or dwarf white wake-robin, is the smallest trillium in Minnesota. It is primarily found in southern and southeastern counties in the state and is considered a "Special Concern" species because it is threatened by invasives. This trillium grows no more than about 3 to 6 inches tall and may have a reddish flower stalk. The flower on this plant is 1 to 2 inches wide with white, elliptical or oval-shaped petals that may have slightly wavy edges. The flower center features six stamens and a style with curled tips. Individual leaves are no more than 2 inches long and 1 1/4 inch wide.

Drooping Trillium

• Drooping trillium (Trillium flexipes) is also referred to as the bent or declined trillium or the nodding wake-robin. This plant grows up to 20 inches tall and the leaves are broadly oval, measuring up to 6 inches long and wide. The flower of this trillium is usually white but may, rarely, be purplish-red, and measures 1 1/2 to 2 inches across and nods over. The flower petals curve back, the stamens are disproportionately long, anthers are whitish to yellow and the ovary in the flower center is white or a light purple color. A six-sided berry that measures up to 1 1/4 inch long and ripens to a purplish-red may form. The drooping trillium tends to occur in small colonies and is found primarily in the southeastern portion of Minnesota.

Nodding Trillium

• Nodding trillium (Trillium cernuum) grows 8 to 20 inches tall, with leaves that are up to 4 inches long and wide with a pointed tip and wavy edges. The nodding trillium flower hangs down at the end of a flower stalk, measures about 1 1/2 inches across and has sepals that are almost as long as the curving petals. The six stamens in this flower have pinkish-purple anthers. The nodding trillium is sometimes confused with the drooping trillium but is much more common and found throughout most of Minnesota.