MT HOOD NATIVE PLANTS
Time for Trilliums
The First Sign of Spring in the Villages of Mt Hood
Trillium ovatum, the Western Trillium, is a three-petaled white flower that welcomes spring to the Villages of Mt Hood! For Village residents, the first sight of Trilliums is a friendly reminder that warmer days and greener views are just around the corner. These familiar native plants dot the undercover of the forest with a spotted blanket of white among the twin flowers, Salomon's Seal, fiddle fern, sorrel, salal, Oregon grape and sword ferns.
Trillium ovatum is only one western species among many in the Trillium genus, which is native to many temperate regions of North America and Asia. Another that’s found in the Western Cascades includes Trillium parviflorum, the Small-flowered Trillium.
They Flourish in the Wild
Sadly, a picked trillium leaves its rhizome behind which means it will struggle to recover for years or even starve. They can be propagated by seed, but that takes up to four years. Best to leave trilliums where you find them for others to enjoy year after year.
March/April 2008
Our stories are written by Andrée Larson. Andrée grew up in the Portland/Vancouver area. She earned an MA in Art History at the University of Oregon, and writes about the history and culture of people and communities. She’s spent time in Europe and on the East Coast, and says the Pacific Northwest is hands down the best place to live. She currently lives in Tacoma with her husband, an artist..