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Spotted Wakerobin

Trillium maculatum

Last reviewed: July 2026

Spotted Wakerobin (Trillium maculatum)
Photo: National Museum of Natural History / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

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

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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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