Pacific Trillium
Trillium ovatum
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
The Cosmonaut





Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Melanthiaceae
- Genus:
- Trillium
- Species:
- Trillium ovatum
- USDA Symbol:
- TROV2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 50 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, flies, beetles
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded forest understory
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist then warm stratification (double dormancy) — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require a warm moist period followed by cold stratification; germination may be slow and erratic.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Notes: Seeds require cold-moist stratification before germination.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Expose to fluctuation outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in the spring. * seeds must be stored cold and moist; germination is unlikely after storage >6 months; if seeds are received dry, try hydrating in damp paper towel @ 20°C for 1 week; during 3 months @ 20° a radicle is formed; then 4°C for at least 86 days will trigger emergence of a cotyledon which will appear as the temperature increases in spring; no more leaves are formed that year; if sown early enough, a cotyledon may emerge first spring but usually not until second spring; keep seeds in pots for 2 years
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)