Mottled wakerobin is an herbaceous perennial wildflower in the trillium family (Melanthiaceae). It is found in the mountains of NC, SC, and GA in rich cove and bluff forests of the Savannah River drainage. The species epithet means “having two different colors” and refers to the mottling on the bracts. Grow in humus-rich well-drained moist soils in part to full shade in a woodland setting. Will not do well in coastal or piedmont parts of NC. It spreads slowly by underground rhizomes to form colonies that are quite beautiful in spring. The large bracts are light green with darker green mottling. It blooms from April to May and has a flower with pale yellow petals that stand upright at the junction of the three leaf-like bracts. It is a plant of conservation concern due to loss of habitat, deer browsing and invasive species. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. Slugs and snails are occasional pests and leaf spot, rust and smut are occasional disease problems. It does not transplant well. More information on Trillium .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Mountains
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect; Spreading
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Green; Variegated
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Whorled
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Ovate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Light green bracts with darker green morttling
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Purple/Lavender; White
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Solitary
Flower shape
Cup
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
Cream to pale yellow sessile flowers. The petals are rounded or spatulate with purple stamens.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Red/Burgundy
Fruit type
Berry; Capsule
Fruit size
1-3 inches long
Fruit detail
Six sectioned reddish berry-like capsule up to 1.25 inches with small brown seeds each with a protein-rich fleshy elaiosome attached to attract ants to disperse the seed.
Stem color
Green; Red/Burgundy
Stem detail
Reddish or green stems from underground rhizomes
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Southeastern United States
Distribution
Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina
Wildlife value
Flowers attract pollinators, fruit attracts birds and small mammals.
Attracts
Pollinators
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Leaves; Nuts
Harvest time
Summer
Fruit type
Berry; Capsule
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Young, unfolding leaves HARVEST TIME: Only collect leaves from areas you know have NOT been treated with pesticides. SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES: Wash leaves in warm water to remove dirt and debris. Do not use dish detergent or any type of sanitizer. These products can leave a residue. Cook in boiling, salted water for ten minutes and serve like greens. SOURCE: Crowhurst, A. 1972. The Weed Cookbook. Lancer Books, Inc. New York, 190 pp.