How much sun does Paint Trillium need?

Paint Trillium grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Paint Trillium bloom?

Paint Trillium blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Paint Trillium native?

Paint Trillium (Trillium undulatum) is native to CT, GA, KY, MA and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Paint Trillium attract?

Paint Trillium draws beetles and flies.

Is Paint Trillium HOA-friendly?

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

Paint Trillium

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Trillium undulatum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Paint Trillium (Trillium undulatum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–12" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CT, GA, KY, MA and 15 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Paint trillium is a delicate spring wildflower with three broad leaves and a distinctive white flower marked with pink veins that deepen with age. This woodland native thrives in shaded areas and goes dormant by midsummer, disappearing completely until the following spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Paint Trillium 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 summer leaving bare spots
Looks very wild and woodland-like
May appear sparse or patchy in formal settings

Wildlife value

The flowers attract beetles and flies for pollination during spring blooming season. Seeds are dispersed by ants, helping establish new colonies in suitable woodland habitats.

Common questions

How much sun does Paint Trillium need?: Paint Trillium grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Paint Trillium bloom?: Paint Trillium blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Paint Trillium native?: Paint Trillium (Trillium undulatum) is native to CT, GA, KY, MA and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Paint Trillium attract?: Paint Trillium draws beetles and flies.
Is Paint Trillium HOA-friendly?: Paint Trillium 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 Paint Trillium? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz