PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

 
 
   
 
Scientific Name Common Name Global Rank State Rank Federal Status WI Status

Snow Trillium (Trillium nivale)

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Photo by Armund Bartz

 

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Snow Trillium (Trillium nivale), a Wisconsin Threatened plant, is found in hardwood forests, sometimes second-growth, often adjacent to rivers or streams. Blooming occurs late-March through late-April, fruiting throughout April. The optimal identification period for this species is late-March through April.

 
 
 

Snow trillium is an erect forb, 7.5-15cm tall, with three, elliptic white petals 2.5-4cm, that are sometimes pinkish at the base. Sepals are lanceolate and much shorter than petals, anthers are 7-10mm. Leaves are whorled, individual leaves are elliptic to ovate, 3-5dm, rounded at the base, petiole is 5-10mm. Leaves and petals are obtuse to subacute. Ovary is roundly 3-lobed.

Blooming occurs late-March through late-April, fruiting throughout April.

Perennial. The optimal identification period for this species is late-March through April.

Associated species include Acer saccharum, Tilia americana, Fagus grandifolia, Quercus rubra, Jeffersonia diphylla, Hydrastis canadensis, Anemonella thalictroides, and Enemion biternatum

Snow trillium prefers rich, moist soils and is found in hardwood forests, sometimes second-growth, often adjacent to rivers or streams.

Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.

Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides and use care with spot spraying.

Follow BMPs, especially around streams and use care near ravines, steep slopes, cliffs, rock outcrops, etc.

This species requires shaded habitat conditions, maintain high forest canopy cover.

Survey for and control invasive plants prior to conducting timber operations, as these can be spread by vehicles and often respond vigorously to increased light. See forestry BMPs for invasive species.

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.