Trillium ovatum

Name: White Trillium

Scientific name: Trillium ovatum

White Trillium is usually thought of as one of the earliest wildflowers to bloom in and west of the Cascades. However, it is also found in the Blue Mountains. The overall range for the plant is from British Columbia to California, and east to Idaho and Colorado. There are 17 species of trillium in the western half of North America, two of which are found in the Blue Mountains. One species, Purple Trillium, with dark purple flowers borne near the ground, is found west of Ruckle Ridge, from near Thornhollow to the top of the ridge. It is completely replaced by White Trillium on the east-facing side of the ridge overlooking La Grande.

The White Trillium has also been called White Wake-Robin, Bathflower, Buttermilk-Lily, Easter Flower, Ground-Lily, Mooseflower, Snow Trillium, Trinity-Lily, and Wood Lily. This is a good example of the fact there are no “official” common names for plants. The name Trillium is from the Latin for “three,” probably a reference to 3 leaves or 3 petals. Ovatum refers to the broad oval leaves.

The photo here was taken near Cascade Locks a month ago. The plant has only 3 leaves united directly to the top of a stalk about 6 to 12 inches high. There are 3 narrow, green sepals beneath the flower, barely sticking out from under the petals. The petals are a pure white at first, then turn pink to red with age, so the darker red the petals the longer they have been open. If you find a plant in the spring with the 3 leaves but no sign of a flower nor a fruit capsule, it is probably only a few years old, too young to flower.

Research several years ago found that this trillium lives well over 100 years, and will not survive if its shade from the sun or shelter from wind is removed. If you find one, enjoy its presence, take a picture, but don’t dig it up; it could easily be decades before it may be replaced.

Many Indian tribes from Canada to the Southwest have used White Trillium. Medicinal uses for many tribes included treatment for boils and sore eyes. It was considered poison by some, and used as a love potion by other tribes.

Where to find: Look for it in shady, moist forest areas. It should be in bloom on the east side of Ruckle Ridge at middle to upper elevations between now and the next couple of weeks.