How to identify Nodding wakerobin (Trillium flexipes)

How to identify Nodding wakerobin (Trillium flexipes)

Nodding wakerobin, also known as White trillium, Declined trillium

Nodding wakerobin is marked by its distinctive three-petaled flower, each petal spanning up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) long. The blooms are a striking white and unfurl above a trio of broad, green leaves that cluster at the base. These large leaves often reach lengths of 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). The plant itself grows to a modest height of about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). Post-blooming, it retreats into dormancy as the woodland canopy thickens in mid-summer.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Nodding wakerobin

Distinct three-petaled white flowers up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) long.

Broad green leaves, clustered at the base, reaching 4-6 inches (10-15 cm).

Plant grows to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall, dormancy in mid-summer.

Light green, hairless stem, erect, 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) with no branches.

6-parted red berry-like capsule, dispersed by ants, ripe in July.

Detailed Traits of Nodding wakerobin

Leaf Features

The leaves of nodding wakerobin are up to 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) long, green, and are actually bracts. They have entire margins and are whorled in groups of three around the stem. The leaves have a blunt tip and a wedge-shaped base. Veins on the leaves run parallel, contributing to their unique texture.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of nodding wakerobin feature three white petals, each measuring 1 1/2 - 2 inches (3.8 - 5 cm) long. These single flowers are attached to a nodding peduncle with three green sepals and six stamens. Blooms appear mid to late spring, typically in April in North Carolina. The pedicellate flowers often hang beneath the leaves. On rare occasions, the flowers may exhibit a reddish hue.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of nodding wakerobin is light green and hairless, presenting a smooth, non-woody texture. It stands erect, typically reaching heights of around 12-24 inches (30-60 cm). The stem lacks branches, maintaining a singular, undivided form from base to apex. Its diameter is relatively slender, ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2.5 to 5 mm). This characteristic stem structure plays a vital role in the identification of nodding wakerobin, distinguishing it from other similar species.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of nodding wakerobin is a 6-parted berry-like capsule, typically found in a rich red hue indicative of its availability in July. This capsule houses seeds that rely on myrmecochory, or dispersal by ants, for propagation. The mature fruit's texture is consistent with that of a fleshy berry, and upon ripening, it offers a visual cue for seed dispersal agents. Each section of the berry-like structure may contain multiple seeds, which aids in the effective spread of nodding wakerobin’s progeny throughout its habitat.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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