woodland wildflower

Nodding trillium

Trillium cernuum

Also known as Whip-poor-will Flower, Nodding Wakerobin

Native to much of the USA and southern Canada

Maritime, west to Quebec and Minnesota, south to New England, Delaware and uplands to Georgia and Alabama

In the garden

A woodland wildflower for full shade and evenly moist soil. At up to 18 in, it suits shade gardens and woodland edges. Hardy in USDA zones 2–8.

Light

Full sun Partial shade Full shade

Moisture

Dry Moist Wet

Find your zone:

Habitat: WoodlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
Native range: Much of the USA and southern CanadaUnited States (20): CT, DE, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT, WI, WV. Canada (6): NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
Native distribution: Maritime, west to Quebec and Minnesota, south to New England, Delaware and uplands to Georgia and AlabamaThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.

Light: Full shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
Moisture: MoistThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
Hardiness zones: USDA 2–8 · Canadian 1–7The cold-to-heat climate range it survives.
Soil: Moldy, acidic soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.

Height: up to 18 in (to 46 cm)Typical mature height.
Life cycle: PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).

Type: WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
Bloom: May–MayWhen it flowers.
Flower color: White, PinkThe bloom color, or colors.
Fruit/Seeds: BerryThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
Toxicity: Poisonous if eatenWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.