Trillium oettingeri
Salmon mountains wakerobin
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Melanthiaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Trillium oettingeri (Salmon mountains wakerobin) is a native California perennial in the Melanthiaceae family, recognized by endemic to Salmon Mountains at high elevation.
Salmon mountains wakerobin is a rare (CNPS 4.2) California native perennial found in mixed montane and conifer forests of the Klamath Ranges on moist slopes, streambanks, and lakesides at elevations of 1,200 to 2,100 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces white flowers that age to light and dark pink, with widely spreading petals 10 to 15 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it has an upright habit with delicate branching. Its leaves are broad and elliptic to ovate, 4.5 to 10 centimeters long, with a distinctly acute to abruptly pointed tip. The nodding flowers feature white to pink petals and light yellow anthers, creating a delicate woodland understory presence.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; endemic to Salmon Mountains at high elevation
Habitat and range
Habitat: Mixed montane or conifer forest on moist slopes, streambanks, lakesides
Elevation: 1200-2100 m
Bloom period
Trillium oettingeri blooms Apr-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
How to tell it apart
vs Pseudotrillium: Trillium leaves attach directly to stem and feel thin; Pseudotrillium leaves have short stalks and feel thick and leathery.; vs Lysimachia: Trillium has three leaves in one whorl; Lysimachia has multiple leaves in pairs or whorls along the stem.; vs Asarum: Trillium has three leaves above ground with a flower above; Asarum has two leaves at ground level with flower at base.; vs Scoliopus: Trillium has three broad leaves in a whorl; Scoliopus has two basal leaves with mottling.; vs Viola: Trillium has three leaves in a single whorl; Viola has heart-shaped leaves arising separately from the base.
Frequently asked questions
Is Trillium oettingeri native to California?
Yes. Trillium oettingeri is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Trillium oettingeri bloom?
Trillium oettingeri blooms Apr-Jul.
What plant family does Trillium oettingeri belong to?
Trillium oettingeri is in the Melanthiaceae family, genus Trillium.
Is Trillium oettingeri rare or endangered?
Trillium oettingeri carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S4.
What habitat does Trillium oettingeri grow in?
Trillium oettingeri grows in Mixed montane or conifer forest on moist slopes, streambanks, lakesides.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-09-25
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.