Trillium luteum Yellow

Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit

Trillium luteum Yellow is a cherished native woodland wildflower that grows to a mature size of about 6 to 12 inches tall. Spring-blooming, the low-growing plant produces upright, unbranched stems, each bearing a whorl of 3 ovate, variegated green leaves (bracts) crowned with a solitary, three-petaled, gold or bronze-green flower that has a delightfully sweet, light, citrusy scent. The flowers are followed by berry-like fruits that songbirds adore.

Trillium luteum, commonly called yellow trillium or yellow wake robin, is a hardy perennial with rhizomatous roots, thriving in Zones 3-9. This slow-spreading plant forms a flowering clump that can live for many years when undisturbed. It's an excellent addition to home gardens and is ideal for naturalizing in shaded woodland settings, especially when paired with ferns beneath trees or nestled between shrubs.

To grow yellow trillium successfully, mimic its natural habitat by providing partial to dappled shade and organically rich soil that is medium moist, well-draining, and slightly acidic. In hotter climates, full afternoon shade is beneficial. Yellow trillium requires consistent moisture, though it cannot tolerate overly wet conditions. Once established, it is a low-maintenance plant requiring little attention.

Plant Trillium luteum roots in the spring, spacing them 12 inches apart and planting them 2 inches deep for optimal growth.

A North American native, Trillium luteum offers both beauty and environmental benefits. Unfortunately, wild populations of yellow trilliums are now endangered, but you can help ensure their survival by planting some in your own garden. And our nursery propagated plants are only commercially grown, never collected from the wild. Native plants are well-suited to local climates and soil, making them easy to grow without excessive fertilizers or watering once established. They also help control pests naturally, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Landscaping with native plants supports biodiversity, enhances pollinator habitats, and creates a vibrant, wildlife-friendly garden.