GIANT WHITE TRILLIUM Albidum, Wake Robin, Wakerobin, Toadshade
Trillium albidum is the only trillium characterized by a stalkless white flower. The species is endemic to the western United States, ranging from central California through Oregon to southwestern Washington.
Trillium albidum was first described by John Daniel Freeman in 1975. The specific epithet albidum means "white", a reference to the uniformly white flower color of this distinctive species. It is commonly known as the giant white wakerobin or white toadshade.
Trillium albidum is a perennial herbaceous plant that persists by means of underground rhizomes. There are three large leaf-like bracts arranged in a whorl about a scape that rises directly from the rhizome, growing to 22 to 58 cm (8.5 to 23 in) in height.
The fragrant flower has three lance-shaped green sepals and three wider white (sometimes pink or purple-tinged) petals measuring 4.8 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) long and 2.2 to 3 cm (1 to 1 in) wide.
The leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals and crystal raphide, and should not be consumed by humans.
Type: Very hardy perennial
Height: 14"
Location: Part sun or part shade
Hardiness zones: 3-8
Seeds per pack: 3
Germination: Seeds should be planted outdoors in late summer or fall, so that they will benefit from the cool and fluctuating temperatures of winter. In spring they will sprout, so be sure to mark the location that you planted the seeds. Please note, these seeds cannot grow without this cold period, so patience is required, though they are well worth the wait!
If you would prefer to start your seeds indoors, they will require a pattern of warm and cold periods. Once you receive your seeds, plant them in a pot, just under the surface of the soil. Water, and place at room temperature for 1 month. The seeds will not grow yet. Then, place the container in a clear plastic bag, and label the seeds (note the seeds are poisonous if eaten). Place the pot in a refrigerator for 3 months. Then, bring the pot back to warmth (room temperature). The seeds should germinate within 3 months, though if no growth appears, the seeds can be returned to the fridge for a second cold period (3 months).
