Large-flowered Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum): white Minnesota wildflowers

Large-flowered Trillium

Plant Info
Also known as:	White Trillium, Snow Trillium, White Wake Robin
Scientific name:	Trillium grandiflorum
Family:	Lily (Liliaceae)
Life cycle:	perennial
Origin:	native
Habitat:	shade to part sun; rich woods
Bloom season:	spring
Plant height:	8 to 18 inches
USDA PLANTS database:	Minnesota county distribution map

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Flower:: Flower is 2 to 3 inches across, 3 white petals, usually with ruffled or wavy edges, and a pointed tip. In the center is a group of several yellow stamen. There are 3 green sepals that are shorter and narrower than the petals. Each plant has a single flower at the end of a 2 to 3 inch stalk that rises above the leaves. The flowers turn rosy pink with age.
Leaves:: A single whorl of 3 leaves is at the top of the stem. Individual leaves are 3 to 6 inches long and wide, generally oval to egg-shaped with a sharply pointed tip and tapering slightly at the base. Deep veins radiate from the base of the leaf.
Notes:: Large-flowered Trillium is the largest Trillium. It is long-lived but slow to mature—it can be several years between the time seed is germinated and the first flower blooms. The seeds are mostly spread by ants, which take the fruit to their underground homes, eat the fruit flesh and leave the seed behind.

Photos taken at Wild River State Park, Center City, MN May 2007

Have you seen this plant in Ramsey County, or have any other comments about it?