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Birthroots (Trillium)
Also known as : Wood lilies, Tri flowers
Birthroots are flowering woodland herbs found in Asia and North America. These perennials flower during springtime. What looks like their leaves are actually enlarged, photosynthetic specialized leaflets (bracts); the plant has no true above ground leaves. Due to their decorative blooms and early blooming times, some species are cultivated in gardens. 
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Birthroots
Feedback
Attributes of Birthroots
Plant Height
50 cm
Spread
50 cm
Flower Color
White
Red
Purple
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
5 - 32 ℃
Scientific Classification of Birthroots
Distribution of Birthroots
Feedback
Distribution Map of Birthroots
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Birthroots
Feedback
Birthroots, a woodland perennial genus, requires partially to fully shaded locations with ample moisture and well-draining, humus-rich soils. Temperatures should imitate its native cool, temperate climate. Common challenges include pests like slugs and diseases such as root rot. It's sensitive to environmental changes, particularly excessive heat and drought. Seasonal care comprises of avoiding disturbance during spring's blooming season and offering adequate mulching in winter. Care adjustments may be necessary based on specific regional climates.
How to Water Birthroots?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Birthroots?
How to Propagate Birthroots?
How to Plant Birthroots?
Exploring the Birthroots Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Sweet Betsy
Sweet Betsy is a sessile plant, which means it has no stalk and the flowers emerge straight from its modified leaves. The genus Trillium cuneatum originates from the Latin word 'tres,' which refers to the overall appearance of the plant - three petals, three bracts, and three sepals. This plant thrives best in moist and well-drained soil.
White trillium
Taken from the wild and sold commercially, the white trillium has sparked conservation concerns because it is the most widely farmed plant in its genus. The leaves of this plant are cooked and eaten by Native Americans, while the root stalks are utilized as herbal medicine. The white trillium is Ohio's state wildflower and Ontario's official provincial floral emblem.
Pacific trillium
Pacific trillium is a plant in the lily family found in the Western United States. It was discovered by the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1806. This plant has egg-shaped leaves and one or two flower blooms per plant. These flowers begin as white and become pink as they age.
Red trillium
Native to eastern North America, the red trillium (*Trillium erectum*) is found on forest floors. Its components surface in groups of three as pointed triple leaves, giving way to three-petalled flowers. Red trillium is mildly toxic to humans. The flowers smell like rotting meat to attract pollinating flies.
Bloody butcher
Bloody butcher (Trillium recurvatum) is a flowering plant species that may take up to 10 years to mature enough to flower. It flowers quicker when cultivated in homes as a houseplant and is often cultivated as an ornamental species.
Nodding wakerobin
Other names for nodding wakerobin (Trillium flexipes) include drooping trillium, bent trillium, declined trillium, and white wakerobin. It’s indigenous to Canada and the United States. With its gorgeous ivory flowers that pop up in early spring, it’s a popular addition to woodland gardens.
Toadshade
A unique-looking, beautiful plant, toadshade is a shade-loving perennial with marbled green leaves and deep red, upright flowers. It is very easy to grow but takes five to seven years before it will flower.
Yellow trillium
The morphology of Trillium luteum is quite interesting. This charming woodland plant doesn't have a true stem or regular leaves. The "stem" is actually the rhizome extension, while the "leaves" are bracts formed around the flower. Yellow trillium goes dormant after the flowering phase, which happens in mid-summer. Its active period starts in late winter.
All Species of Birthroots
Sweet Betsy
Sweet Betsy
Sweet Betsy is a sessile plant, which means it has no stalk and the flowers emerge straight from its modified leaves. The genus Trillium cuneatum originates from the Latin word 'tres,' which refers to the overall appearance of the plant - three petals, three bracts, and three sepals. This plant thrives best in moist and well-drained soil.
White trillium
White trillium
Taken from the wild and sold commercially, the white trillium has sparked conservation concerns because it is the most widely farmed plant in its genus. The leaves of this plant are cooked and eaten by Native Americans, while the root stalks are utilized as herbal medicine. The white trillium is Ohio's state wildflower and Ontario's official provincial floral emblem.
Pacific trillium
Pacific trillium
Pacific trillium is a plant in the lily family found in the Western United States. It was discovered by the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1806. This plant has egg-shaped leaves and one or two flower blooms per plant. These flowers begin as white and become pink as they age.
Red trillium
Red trillium
Native to eastern North America, the red trillium (*Trillium erectum*) is found on forest floors. Its components surface in groups of three as pointed triple leaves, giving way to three-petalled flowers. Red trillium is mildly toxic to humans. The flowers smell like rotting meat to attract pollinating flies.
Bloody butcher
Bloody butcher
Bloody butcher (Trillium recurvatum) is a flowering plant species that may take up to 10 years to mature enough to flower. It flowers quicker when cultivated in homes as a houseplant and is often cultivated as an ornamental species.
Nodding wakerobin
Nodding wakerobin
Other names for nodding wakerobin (Trillium flexipes) include drooping trillium, bent trillium, declined trillium, and white wakerobin. It’s indigenous to Canada and the United States. With its gorgeous ivory flowers that pop up in early spring, it’s a popular addition to woodland gardens.
Toadshade
Toadshade
A unique-looking, beautiful plant, toadshade is a shade-loving perennial with marbled green leaves and deep red, upright flowers. It is very easy to grow but takes five to seven years before it will flower.
Yellow trillium
Yellow trillium
The morphology of Trillium luteum is quite interesting. This charming woodland plant doesn't have a true stem or regular leaves. The "stem" is actually the rhizome extension, while the "leaves" are bracts formed around the flower. Yellow trillium goes dormant after the flowering phase, which happens in mid-summer. Its active period starts in late winter.
Painted trillium
Painted trillium
Painted trillium is a perennial herb that flowers in the summer. Three white petals join together with a red center, but the white areas of the flower will change color throughout the blooming period. This plant is easy to grow and easy to propagate in a garden.
Wakerobin
Wakerobin
The wakerobin is a flowering plant primarily found in East Asian moist forests. It thrives in forested areas on steep hillsides. The dried rhizomes and roots of this plant are used to produce herbal drugs in China and neighboring countries. This plant is popular among deer.
Giant white wakerobin
Giant white wakerobin
Giant white wakerobin is a flowering plant native to the western United States. This fragrant perennial spreads by underground rhizomes and is commonly found in woods, forests, and other moist areas. Each flower has 3 sepals and 3 larger petals.
Bashful Wakerobin
Bashful Wakerobin
Bashful Wakerobin (Trillium catesbaei) is a wildflower that is found in southeastern North America. Nodding white to pink flowers blossom from mid-spring through summer. This delicate-looking flower generally occurs in relatively dry environments.
Giant wakerobin
Giant wakerobin
Giant wakerobin is a woodland plant native to North America and Asia that blooms in the spring. Some of these perennial plants have fresh green leaves and white blooms, while others have vivid flowers and variegated foliage. This plant can be grown from seed, although flowering takes five years. Established plants can live for many years if given the proper conditions.
Nodding trillium
Nodding trillium
Nodding trillium (*Trillium cernuum*) is a perennial wildflower in the lily family. It blooms in spring with pale lavender to pink flowers. Flowers develop into dark red seed capsules. The flowers grow downward giving it the name nodding trillium. Plant in light to dappled shade beneath a tree canopy. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and will die back and go dormant by mid-summer.
White japanese trillium
White japanese trillium
From a thick and short rhizome, a stem with a height of 20 to 40 cm extends, and three leaves are sprouting at its tip. The leaves do not have a petiole and arise directly from the stem. The leaves are rounded, with a diameter of about 10 to 20 cm. A short floral pattern extends from the center of the three leaves, producing a flower with three outer flower pieces, three white petal-like inner flower pieces, and six stamens. The inner flower piece is longer than the outer flower piece, and the tip of the outer flower piece is sharp.
Snow trillium
Snow trillium
Snow trillium is a perennial flower that blooms in late winter and early spring. It can even bloom when snow is on the ground, giving it its common name. This variety of trillium is smaller than other varieties.
Illscented wakerobin
Illscented wakerobin
Illscented wakerobin (*Trillium rugelii*) is named for the botanist Ferdinand Rugel (1806-1879). This species has larger flowers than those of the otherwise similar *Trillium cernuum*. The *ill-scented* part of the common name is well-earned since, to human noses, this plant smells very unpleasant.
White-flowered birthroot
White-flowered birthroot
With its spotlight-grabbing white blossoms, white-flowered birthroot commands attention in rich, shaded woodlands. Each stem supports a solitary flower, poised above a trio of broad, lush leaves. This variant's striking petals contrast with its forest floor neighbors, aiding in pollinator attraction. White-flowered birthroot's growth is a testament to the delicate balance it maintains within its ecosystem, blending rarity with resilience.
Spotted wakerobin
Spotted wakerobin
Trillium maculatum is called "spotted" because of irregular dark splotches on the leaves and stems. Flowers are usually deep red or reddish-purple but occasionally yellow.
Dwarf wakerobin
Dwarf wakerobin
The three bracts are dark green, sometimes with a red tinge when new. The flower has three green to red-tinged sepals up to 3 cm long and 3 wavy-edged petals which are white and quickly age pink. The 6 stamens are tipped with lavender or yellow anthers each up to 1 cm long. The stigmas have long, narrow, spreading lobes. The pulpy fruit is 1 to 1.5 cm long.
Jeweled wakerobin
Jeweled wakerobin
Trillium simile prefers to grow in moist humus-rich soils in mature forests at the edges of Rhododendron thickets and at edges of the forest. It is found at elevations of 500-700 meters.
Furrowed wakerobin
Furrowed wakerobin
Furrowed wakerobin (Trillium sulcatum) is a perennial wildflower with deep red blossoms and berries. The leaves are recurved, meaning they appear to be bent backward. Native to the foothills of the Appalachians, this plant flowers in spring and is easy to grow in similarly deciduous climates. It requires at least partial shade to thrive, however.
Sweet wakerobin
Sweet wakerobin
Sweet wakerobin has among the largest flowers in the trillium family, with red petals up to 7 cm long. It grows in rich woods, sometimes on riverbanks but other times on steep slopes.
Tapertip wakerobin
Tapertip wakerobin
It usually grows in rich deciduous forests and mountain ranges where the soil is clayey and calcareous. The flower usually has bi-colored petals — purplish near the base and green above — which stand upright at the junction of the three leaves. The species is 61 cm high.
White trillium 'Flore Pleno'
White trillium 'Flore Pleno'
White trillium 'Flore Pleno' is a captivating perennial known for its showy, double-flowered bloom, set above a trio of broad, green leaves. This garden jewel often adorns shaded woodlands with its large, white, multi-petalled flowers that suggest an amplified elegance compared to its single-flowered relatives. As the seasons progress, white trillium 'Flore Pleno''s flowers may take on a pinkish hue, harmonizing with the natural shift in forest hues.
Giant wakerobin
Giant wakerobin
Giant wakerobin is a striking woodland perennial known for its trio of broad, mottled leaves that cradle an elegant, solitary flower. This bloom typically showcases three large petals, ranging in color from deep burgundy to white. Thriving in the dappled shade of temperate forests, giant wakerobin emerges in early spring, its distinctive leaf and flower structure offering a captivating display to the observant passerby.
Wood wakerobin
Wood wakerobin
Wood wakerobin is a perennial woodland wildflower distinguished by its solitary, three-petaled green flower. Rising from a whorl of three large, green leaves, wood wakerobin's bloom is a nod to its trifoliate nature. This species thrives in the dappled shade of rich, moist soils, with its unusual green blossoms emerging in the spring, offering a subtle beauty that blends seamlessly with its forest floor habitat.
Louisiana wakerobin
Louisiana wakerobin
Louisiana wakerobin is a perennial herb notable for its three large, green leaves that form a whorl at the top of a single, unbranched stem. In the center, a single, showy white flower emerges, which becomes pink-tinged over time. Thriving in the understory of moist deciduous forests, louisiana wakerobin favors the dappled shade that protects its delicate bloom while maintaining the moist soil it prefers.
Sabine river wake-robin
Sabine river wake-robin
Sabine river wake-robin is a delicate perennial wildflower with three broad leaves radiating from a central stem, creating a strikingly symmetrical appearance. Above the foliage, a solitary, nodding white flower blooms in spring, showcasing this species' understated elegance. Thriving in rich, moist woodland soils, sabine river wake-robin relies on dappled shade to flourish, embodying the tranquil beauty of its forest habitat.
Longbract wakerobin
Longbract wakerobin
Longbract wakerobin is a perennial wildflower with a striking appearance, showcasing large, ovate leaves in whorls of three from which rises a solitary, upright flower. The blossom, often a deep maroon or purple, consists of three petals and three sepals, creating a symmetrical, eye-catching display. Thriving in the understory of deciduous forests, longbract wakerobin benefits from the moist, rich soil and dappled shade, which together foster its enigmatic springtime bloom.
Giant purple wakerobin
Giant purple wakerobin
Giant purple wakerobin is a shade-loving perennial with a striking appearance, characterized by three large, dark green leaves and a singular, deep maroon to purple flower perched atop. This eye-catching bloom, nestled within the forest underbrush, emerges in spring, signaling its adaptation to cooler, moist environments. Its distinct triple-leaf pattern and vivid flower coloration make it a notable inhabitant of the Pacific Northwest's woodland floor.
Narrowpetal wakerobin
Narrowpetal wakerobin
Narrowpetal wakerobin features a trio of narrow, wavy-edged petals, typically blooming in shades from deep maroon to pale pink. This woodland perennial's distinctive three-leaf arrangement cradles its singular, nodding flower. Thriving in the dappled light of dense forests, narrowpetal wakerobin's growth is influenced by the shade and rich, moist soil it favors.
Blue ridge wakerobin
Blue ridge wakerobin
Blue ridge wakerobin is a perennial herbaceous species that thrives in the shaded, moist woodlands of its native habitat. Characterized by its solitary, showy white bloom with three distinct petals atop a whorl of green, mottled leaves, each leaf broadly ovate in shape. The plant's enigmatic beauty peaks in spring when it carpets forest floors, signaling the seasonal transition.
Idaho trillium
Idaho trillium
Idaho trillium flaunts a three-petaled floral display atop a solitary stem, a hallmark among its woodland kin. Each petal, broad and ovate, often sports a bolder hue at the base. Its mottled leaves gather in a whorl beneath, capturing dappled sunlight in moist, shaded habitats. This undergrowth denizen blooms with quiet grandeur, a testament to resilience in nature's serene recesses.
Trailing wakerobin
Trailing wakerobin
Trailing wakerobin is a low-growing perennial with a distinctive trio of broad, green leaves radiating from a single, short stem. In early spring, a singular, white to pinkish flower blooms, drooping elegantly below the leaf whorl. Thriving in deciduous woodland floors, trailing wakerobin draws nourishment from rich, moist soils in dappled sunlight, yet quickly retreats underground as the forest canopy fills in.
Pacific trillium
Pacific trillium
Near California shores, it is common under coast redwood. Associated understory plants include swordfern, vanilla leaf, violets, redwood sorrel and salal.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Birthroots
Trillium
Also known as: Wood lilies, Tri flowers
Birthroots are flowering woodland herbs found in Asia and North America. These perennials flower during springtime. What looks like their leaves are actually enlarged, photosynthetic specialized leaflets (bracts); the plant has no true above ground leaves. Due to their decorative blooms and early blooming times, some species are cultivated in gardens.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Birthroots
Feedback
Attributes of Birthroots
Plant Height
50 cm
Spread
50 cm
Flower Color
White
Red
Purple
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
5 - 32 ℃
Scientific Classification of Birthroots
Distribution of Birthroots
Feedback
Distribution Map of Birthroots
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Birthroots
Feedback
Birthroots, a woodland perennial genus, requires partially to fully shaded locations with ample moisture and well-draining, humus-rich soils. Temperatures should imitate its native cool, temperate climate. Common challenges include pests like slugs and diseases such as root rot. It's sensitive to environmental changes, particularly excessive heat and drought. Seasonal care comprises of avoiding disturbance during spring's blooming season and offering adequate mulching in winter. Care adjustments may be necessary based on specific regional climates.
How to Water Birthroots?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Birthroots?
How to Propagate Birthroots?
How to Plant Birthroots?
Exploring the Birthroots Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Sweet Betsy
Sweet Betsy is a sessile plant, which means it has no stalk and the flowers emerge straight from its modified leaves. The genus Trillium cuneatum originates from the Latin word 'tres,' which refers to the overall appearance of the plant - three petals, three bracts, and three sepals. This plant thrives best in moist and well-drained soil.
White trillium
Taken from the wild and sold commercially, the white trillium has sparked conservation concerns because it is the most widely farmed plant in its genus. The leaves of this plant are cooked and eaten by Native Americans, while the root stalks are utilized as herbal medicine. The white trillium is Ohio's state wildflower and Ontario's official provincial floral emblem.
Pacific trillium
Pacific trillium is a plant in the lily family found in the Western United States. It was discovered by the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1806. This plant has egg-shaped leaves and one or two flower blooms per plant. These flowers begin as white and become pink as they age.
Red trillium
Native to eastern North America, the red trillium (*Trillium erectum*) is found on forest floors. Its components surface in groups of three as pointed triple leaves, giving way to three-petalled flowers. Red trillium is mildly toxic to humans. The flowers smell like rotting meat to attract pollinating flies.
Show More Species
All Species of Birthroots
Sweet Betsy
White trillium
Pacific trillium
Red trillium
Bloody butcher
Nodding wakerobin
Toadshade
Yellow trillium
Painted trillium
Wakerobin
Giant white wakerobin
Bashful Wakerobin
Giant wakerobin
Nodding trillium
White japanese trillium
Snow trillium
Illscented wakerobin
White-flowered birthroot
Spotted wakerobin
Dwarf wakerobin
Jeweled wakerobin
Furrowed wakerobin
Sweet wakerobin
Tapertip wakerobin
White trillium 'Flore Pleno'
Giant wakerobin
Wood wakerobin
Louisiana wakerobin
Sabine river wake-robin
Longbract wakerobin
Giant purple wakerobin
Narrowpetal wakerobin
Blue ridge wakerobin
Idaho trillium
Trailing wakerobin
Pacific trillium
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
