Large-flowered trillium, white trillium

Depending on where it is located, large-flowered trillium may present a number of anatomical anomalies. Trilliums are typical springtime plants. The young shoots start to appear as soon as the snow melts and complete their cycle quickly, before the trees have fully come into leaf. This allows the plants to take advantage of the light that will later be harder to find in the understory. In summer, the plant fades and makes way for other species. In the meantime, it stores up nutrients in its rhizome, allowing it to reappear the next year.