Yellow Trillium - Trillium luteum

The Yellow Trillium is a striking endemic to the southeast of the United States, and is particularly well known in areas around the Great Smokey Mountains of western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee.

It is a rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial and produces a whorl of three leaves, called bracts, at the top of its solitary stem. The one three-petaled flower that this unique plant produces is bright yet pale yellow in color and possess a subtle lemon-scent. The flower has no stem and emerges directly from the leaf whorl; flowers that form in this manner are known as sessile flowers.

Plant Details - Yellow Trillium

Family: Melanthiaceae

Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9

Light Requirement: Partial to full shade

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 6 to 16 in

Spread: 12 in

Growth Rate: Slow

Bloom Time: April to May

Flower Color: Lemon-yellow

Wildlife Value: Attractive to pollinators

The Yellow Trillium brings spring into being by emerging in later winter and flowering in April or May. Their umbrella-like growth habit creates an enchanting forest floor as they stand roughly 16 in above layers of fallen leaves. Their vibrant, bright green leaves are mottled with a grey-green color, adding depth to this picturesque forest flower. Starting in the summer months, they enter dormancy as they wait to reappear the following year. Endemic to mountainous areas, it is no surprise that this plant tolerates cold weather. They will happily survive temperatures as low as 5 °F. Keeping in mind their native environment of mountainous deciduous forests will help you to create an appropriate home landscape for them to thrive.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Yellow Trillium

They require neutral to alkaline, rich and moist soil with ample leaf mould. Plant them in late summer or early fall to give the rhizome adequate time to form before the spring season. While they will emerge during adolescence, they take 5-7 years to reach flowering size.

This plant is low maintenance and generally disease free. It can be attractive to snails and slugs through, so keep your eyes peeled. Since this species goes dormant after flowering, plant them with other perennials that flower from summer to autumn to keep your woodland garden popping throughout the year!

Noteworthy Characteristics

Lemony fragrance, low maintenance, creates dense ground cover in the spring.

During the spring season, the emergence of this vibrant green perennial is sure to add charm and fairytale nuance to your gardenscape. Shop for Yellow Trillium online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color

Yellow

Height at Maturity

Over 12"

Care

Yellow Trillium thrives in well-drained, rich soil. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. In early spring, fertilize lightly with a proportional fertilizer. Avoid disturbing the plant's roots and ensure it has adequate growing space.

Plant Reproduction

Yellow Trillium spreads by self-sowing and clumping and also through underground rhizomes.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Perennials, Tubers, and Bulbs

Bare root perennials, tubers, and bulbs are an easy and economical way to jumpstart your garden with lasting beauty. These dormant plants should be planted in early spring or fall while the soil is cool and workable. Before planting, soak bare roots in water for 1–2 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a location based on the plant’s light needs—most flowering types prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade.

For bare root perennials, dig a shallow hole and spread the roots out naturally, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. For tubers and bulbs, plant with the pointed side facing up at a depth about two to three times their height. Cover with soil, gently press down, and water thoroughly.

Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) until new growth appears. Add mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid covering the crown or bulb tops. Once established, these plants require little maintenance—just seasonal watering, occasional dividing, and deadheading or pruning as needed. With proper care, they’ll return and thrive year after year.

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