Trillium ovatum - Wakerobin

Family:	Trilliaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.4
Width:	0.2
Synonyms:
Range:	Western N. America - Montana to British Columbia, south to California and Colorado.

Trillium ovatum (Wakerobin) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.4m and a width of 0.2m . It has a hardness rating of 5.
Wakerobin will flower in November to December. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

Wakerobin will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Wakerobin prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Wakerobin can grow in full, semi shaded areas and areas with no shade.

Rich woodlands[165]. Damp woods or boggy areas in partial shade, from low valleys to elevations of 2,000 metres[212].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Is suited to a deeply shaded location

Cultivation Details

Prefers a deep well-drained woodland or humus-rich soil in a somewhat shady position that remains moist in the summer[1, 42]. Prefers a neutral to slightly acid soil[200]. Grows well in open woodland[1]. Succeeds in deep shade[188]. Succeeds in a sunny position if the soil does not dry out[42]. Any transplanting is best done whilst the plants are in flower[200]. Plants can flower in two years from seed[138]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233], though slugs are very fond of the leaves[238].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
The leaves are sometimes cooked for greens[212].

• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
A decoction of the fresh or dried powdered root is used as a treatment for sore eyes[207]. The fresh root juice can be dripped into an afflicted eye[257]. The juice of the plant can be applied externally as a treatment for boils[257]. A poultice of the root can be used as a treatment for boils[257]. The thick underground root stalks were used by some native North American Indian tribes during childbirth[212].

• Birthing aid - Used in facilitating birth, but not just to cause uterine contrctions.
• Ophthalmic - Treats eye complaints.
• Skin - Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a shaded cold frame as soon as it is ripe[134, 200]. Stored seed should be sown in late winter or early spring. Seed usually germinates within 1 - 3 months at 15°c. Another report says that seeds produce a root after the first cold stratification but no shoot is produced until after a second winter[138], whilst yet another report says that the seed can take 3 years to germinate[238]. The seedlings are prone to damp off and must therefore be watered with care and given plenty of fresh air[138]. The young plants need to be overwintered in a cold frame for the first year and can then be planted out in late spring. It is very important that the pots become neither too dry nor too wet[138]. Division with care when the plants die down after flowering[200]. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the following spring.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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