How much sun does Nodding Wakerobin need?

Nodding Wakerobin grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Nodding Wakerobin bloom?

Nodding Wakerobin blooms in April and May.

Where is Nodding Wakerobin native?

Nodding Wakerobin (Trillium flexipes) is native to AL, DE, IA, IL and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Nodding Wakerobin attract?

Nodding Wakerobin draws beetles and flies.

Is Nodding Wakerobin HOA-friendly?

Nodding Wakerobin takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Nodding Wakerobin

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Trillium flexipes

Last reviewed: August 2026

Nodding Wakerobin (Trillium flexipes) is a perennial forb native to AL, DE, IA, IL and 14 more states. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw beetles and flies.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, DE, IA, IL and 14 more states

Pollinators

beetles, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Western Corn Belt Plains North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Erie Drift Plain Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills

Nodding wakerobin is a charming woodland wildflower that produces distinctive three-petaled white flowers that nod gracefully beneath three broad leaves in spring. This native ephemeral goes dormant by midsummer, disappearing completely until the following spring. It thrives in shaded areas with rich, moist soil and naturalizes slowly over time.

Growing Nodding Wakerobin

Grow Nodding Wakerobin in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Nodding Wakerobin 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.

Completely disappears by midsummer leaving bare ground
Very woodland/wild appearance
Extremely brief flowering period

Wildlife value

The flowers attract beetles and flies for pollination in early spring. Seeds are dispersed by ants, helping establish new colonies in suitable woodland areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Nodding Wakerobin need?: Nodding Wakerobin grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Nodding Wakerobin bloom?: Nodding Wakerobin blooms in April and May.
Where is Nodding Wakerobin native?: Nodding Wakerobin (Trillium flexipes) is native to AL, DE, IA, IL and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Nodding Wakerobin attract?: Nodding Wakerobin draws beetles and flies.
Is Nodding Wakerobin HOA-friendly?: Nodding Wakerobin takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Nodding Wakerobin? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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