Little Sweet Betsy
Trillium cuneatum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–12" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, GA, KY, MD and 5 more states
Pollinators
beetles, flies
Little sweet betsy is a charming spring wildflower that produces distinctive three-petaled maroon flowers above three broad leaves. This woodland native emerges early in spring, blooms for several weeks, then goes dormant by midsummer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Little Sweet Betsy takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Disappears completely by summer leaving bare spots
- Flowers are dark maroon which may look unusual to neighbors
- Very woodland-wild appearance
Wildlife value
The flowers attract beetles and flies for pollination. Seeds provide food for ants and small woodland creatures.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Little Sweet Betsy fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.