Spotted Wakerobin
Trillium maculatum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Spotted Wakerobin (Trillium maculatum) 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 × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, FL, GA, SC
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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Spotted wakerobin is a charming spring wildflower that produces distinctive three-petaled white blooms with dark red centers above whorled leaves. This native ephemeral perennial emerges in early spring, flowers for several weeks, then goes dormant by summer, leaving no trace above ground.
In an HOA neighborhood
Spotted 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.
- Disappears completely by summer leaving bare spots
- Very informal woodland appearance
- May be viewed as weeds by unfamiliar neighbors
Wildlife value
The flowers attract beetles and flies for pollination. Seeds are dispersed by ants, helping establish new colonies in woodland gardens.
Common questions
- How much sun does Spotted Wakerobin need?
- Spotted Wakerobin grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Spotted Wakerobin bloom?
- Spotted Wakerobin blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Spotted Wakerobin native?
- Spotted Wakerobin (Trillium maculatum) is native to AL, FL, GA, SC, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Spotted Wakerobin attract?
- Spotted Wakerobin draws beetles and flies.
- Is Spotted Wakerobin HOA-friendly?
- Spotted 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Spotted Wakerobin? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz