Trillium luteum (Muhl.) Harb.

Yellow Trillium; Yellow Wakerobin; Lemon Scented Trillium

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Yellow Trillium is a native perennial in the Bunchflower family (Melanthiaceae). It is rare in Alabama, confined to two counties. Yellow Trillium grows in rich hardwood forests, along streams, and in hardwood coves. It is a perennial from a thick rhizome. Stems are from 6-12 inches in height. The scapes are topped by three leaf-like ovate to elliptic bracts. The bracts are mottled in two shades of green, though this becomes less apparent as the plant ages. The flower is sessile above the bracts. The three petals are bright lemon yellow, with no trace of brown coloring. The anthers and ovary are yellow or greenish yellow, with no trace of brown coloring. The flowers have a strong lemon scent. The fruit is a fleshy capsule with many tan seed. The seed have an oily white elaiosome. Yellow Trillium is frequently available from wildflower nurseries. It prefers a moist, organic-rich soil in full to partial shade. Yellow Trillium is one of the most misunderstood members of the Trillium genus. Many other sessile species occasionally or frequently produce individuals or even entire populations of plants with yellow flowers. Most of these can be distinguished from Yellow Trillium based upon their range, the shape of the petals, and the mottling color of the leaves. Little Sweet Betsy (Trillium cuneatum Rafinesque) often occurs with Yellow Trillium. Its flowers are very similar in shape to those of Yellow Trillium. Yellow flowered forms of Little Sweet Betsy often have some brown color at the base of the petals or on the ovary. A sure way to tell the two apart is by the smell. Yellow Trillium has a pleasant lemon smell while Little Sweet Betsy has a musty smell. The two species sometimes grow together and are known to hybridize, making identification of some plants difficult.--A. Diamond

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Native S? (State Rank) G4 (Global Rank)

Freeman, J.D. 1975. Revision of Trillium Subgenus Phyllantherum (Liliaceae). Brittonia 27: 1-62.