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Key characteristics

Family: Melanthiaceae
Height: 10 to 15 inches
Width: 10 to 15 inches
Flower color: Clear yellow three petaled flowers with greenish yellow centers often lightly scented
Foliage color: Bright green leaves heavily mottled with silver or gray green markings
Bloom time: Early to mid spring
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Evenly moist humus rich soil
Maintenance: Low; allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering; divide only when plants become crowded
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
Wildlife: Native bees flies early season pollinators and ants that disperse the seeds

Perennials

Trillium luteum

Yellow Trillium

Trillium luteum emerges in early spring with a whorl of three broad leaves mottled with silvery green and darker marbling. In mid spring, three narrow, lemon-yellow petals emerge, surrounding a cluster of yellow stamens, releasing a faint lemony fragrance that adds another layer of interest. The petals stand erect above the patterned leaves, creating a bright focal point in shaded woodland plantings.

Native to the southeastern United States, Trillium luteum occurs naturally in rich deciduous forests of Tennessee, Kentucky, and neighboring states.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Evenly moist humus rich soil

Bloom time

Early to mid spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Rain Gardens

Companion plants

Astilbes · Heucheras · Siberian bugloss · Sweet woodruff · Foamflowers · Epimediums

Design tip

The early flowers arrive when the garden is still waking up, so give it a spot you pass often in spring. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.