The Trillium

The white Trillium is the provincial flower of Ontario.

Contrary to popular belief it is not illegal to pick White Trilliums in Ontario. However, if the leaves as well as the flower are picked, the plant could die as it no longer has any means to produce the energy it needs to take it through the winter into another spring.

Trillium is one of many plants whose seeds are spread by ants. Trilliums got their name from the fact they have three leaves, three sepals and three petals.

Some kinds of trilliums bloom in the early spring, giving the plant the nickname of the wake-robin, as they come out even before robins return from their winter haunts.

Photos taken at Scarborough Guild Inn May 2010