Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum) is native to the western parts of North America, including the Pacific Northwest region. It can be found in shady, typically damp forest understories. Western Trillium is a captivating, regionally-emblematic plant with large, three-petaled flowers that radiate elegance and range from creamy white to deep crimson when mature. The flowers are set against a backdrop of deep green, mottled leaves, creating a visually striking display. 
 
Western Trillium typically blooms in early spring, often starting in March or April. The flowers persist for several weeks, providing a much-needed burst of color and fragrance during the awakening of the growing season. The flowers are prized by forest bumblebees, the primary pollinators of the Trillium genus. The plant also provides cover and habitat for woodland creatures such as small mammals and amphibians. Western Trillium has an intriguing reproductive strategy known as "myrmecochory." This means that its seeds have elaiosomes, which are fleshy structures that attract ants. The ants carry the seeds to their nests, consume the elaiosomes, and discard the intact seeds, thereby aiding in seed dispersal.
 
An important plant for conservation, Western Trillium has become increasingly rare due to habitat loss, poaching, and its long maturation time, with plants taking up to 4 or more years before blooming from seed. Western Trillium prefers rich, well-drained soils that are high in organic matter, and thrives in soil that retains consistent moisture but avoids standing water. Seeds require cold stratification and should be sown in fall; germination may require 2 years. Once established, the plant is relatively low-maintenance and requires minimal additional water or fertilizer.