Trillium Colors and Design

Trillium grandiflorum

In an earlier post I questioned when the peak bloom phase is for Trillium grandiflorum. I said it's a choice between all the flowers being white, or when they fade to purple. What I didn't consider is the line in between.

Trillium grandiflorum

Trillium grandiflorum

There's something to be said for when both are seen next to one another. I think the vibrancy of the younger whites is exemplified by the contrasting older pink, magentas, and purples.

 

Trillium luteum

Trillium luteum

Trillium luteum is another species I have in abundance blooming now. The flower doesn't make any dramatic color change other than to grow even more yellow and less green.

A Tapinoma sessile and Nylanderia flavipes foraging on a Trillium simile flower.

Later in the year the Trilliums will be going to seed and I'll be relishing the ant elaiosome action their seeds attract. For now though the Trilliums offer another dimension to the forest floor for ants to scout  and occasionally steal a taste of nectar. 

Temnothorax species walking on Trillium luteum leaf.

Temnothorax species exiting Trillium grandiflorum flower.