Trillium luteum (Yellow Trillium)

Trillium luteum (Yellow Trillium)

Classic spring ephemeral native to the Great Smoky Mountains and surrounding areas, featuring dark green leaves often beautifully mottled with pale silvery-green. Slightly lemon-scented, canary-yellow flowers emerge atop the foliage in spring, adding color and fragrance to shaded gardens.

Easily grown in rich, medium soils and tolerant of heavy clay with decent topsoil, this long-lived perennial can thrive for up to 25 years. Slowly spreading if left undisturbed, it pairs beautifully with other spring wildflowers such as Virginia Bluebells, Jacob's Ladder, and Wild Blue Phlox. Foliage dies back after bloom, making it ideal to plant alongside shade-loving ferns for continuous seasonal interest.

Light: Full shade to part sun
Height: 12–24"
Zone: 4–8
Features: Lemon-scented yellow flowers, mottled foliage, long-lived, slow-spreading, ideal for woodland or naturalized shade gardens