Horticultural Highlight: Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum)

The Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum) does not produce nectar. It is pollinated by pollen collecting beetles & bees and is even visited nocturnally by certain varieties of moths. Unlike other species of trillium (which can propagate by cloning or self pollination), this variety solely relies on insects for pollination.

It takes 18 years for Trillium ovatum to reach sexual maturity, and can only be propagated from seed collection.

Due to these plant characteristics, these flower populations can be sensitive to external circumstances.  It is so important to never pick the flowers or dig up the plants as this could have detrimental impacts on these fragile populations. 

If you have a shade garden, try a native plant nursery & grab yourself some Trillium. They produce beautiful white flowers and definitely add a very elegant, whimsical vibe to the spring woodland garden. I like to add them with 'Dutchman's Breeches' Bleeding Heart (Dicentra cucullaria), Chocolate Lily (Fritillaria affinis), Fawn lily (Erythronium oregonum) to really bring the spring garden to life.