Pseudotrillium rivale
Brook wakerobin, Brook Wakerobin
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Family: Melanthiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Pseudotrillium rivale (Brook wakerobin) is a native California herb in the Melanthiaceae family, recognized by Only Pseudotrillium species in CA, recently segregated from Trillium based on morphological and molecular differences.
Brook wakerobin is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges in yellow-pine forest along rocky streambanks at elevations of 40 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces white to pink flowers with distinctive purple spots, 1.5 to 3 centimeters long with ovate-cordate petals. Growing 5 to 20 centimeters tall with an unusual flowering stem that becomes recurved after pollination, it emerges with three distinctive leaves arranged in a single whorl. Its leaves are leathery, 1.7 to 11 centimeters long, ranging from lanceolate to heart-shaped with acute to pointed tips. The plant produces a berry-like capsule that is rarely dehiscent and is generally shed as a single unit.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only Pseudotrillium species in CA, recently segregated from Trillium based on morphological and molecular differences
Habitat and range
Habitat: Yellow-pine forest along rocky streambanks and in
Elevation: 40-1500 m
California counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou
Outside California: southwestern Oregon
Bloom period
Pseudotrillium rivale blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Trillium: Pseudotrillium leaves have short stalks and are leathery with spotted petals; Trillium leaves attach directly and are thin with plain petals.; vs Veratrum: Pseudotrillium has three whorled leaves; Veratrum has many alternate leaves arranged up a tall stem.; vs Xerophyllum: Pseudotrillium has three broad whorled leaves; Xerophyllum has numerous grass-like basal leaves.; vs Toxicoscordion: Pseudotrillium has three broad whorled leaves; Toxicoscordion has narrow grass-like basal leaves.; vs Stenanthium: Pseudotrillium has three broad whorled leaves; Stenanthium has narrow grass-like basal leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pseudotrillium rivale native to California?
Yes. Pseudotrillium rivale is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Pseudotrillium rivale bloom?
Pseudotrillium rivale blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Pseudotrillium rivale grow?
Pseudotrillium rivale occurs in Del Norte, Siskiyou, at elevations of 40-1500 m.
What plant family does Pseudotrillium rivale belong to?
Pseudotrillium rivale is in the Melanthiaceae family, genus Pseudotrillium.
What habitat does Pseudotrillium rivale grow in?
Pseudotrillium rivale grows in Yellow-pine forest along rocky streambanks and in.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.