New York State harbors a hidden gem cherished by nature enthusiasts and hikers alike – the trillium flower. However, despite its allure, there’s a stern admonition: never pick them.
Although officially designated as Ontario, Canada’s floral emblem, the trillium flourishes throughout the Northeast, including the Empire State. This delicate flower undergoes a patient seven to ten-year gestation period before blossoming, with a potential lifespan extending up to 25 years.
Diverse varieties of trilliums populate the region, with some facing the ominous threat of endangerment. The Trillium flexipes, colloquially known as the nodding wakerobin, spans from Minnesota to Tennessee, with scarce populations dotting New York, Pennsylvania, and Alabama. Notably, this species is teetering on the edge of endangerment in Ontario.
Meanwhile, the Trillium Sessile, aptly dubbed the toadshade or toad trillium, faces looming destruction in the District of Columbia, New York, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. Similarly, the Trillium cernuum, distinguished by its crimson or violet hue, is poised on the brink of becoming threatened.
Among these, the Trillium undulatum, affectionately named the painted lady for its resplendent purple core, stands out. Additionally, the Trillium grandiflorum, the most prevalent variant, holds historical significance as Ontario’s provincial emblem since 1937. Notably, it was reverently planted on the graves of Canadian soldiers during wartime.
Although the grandiflorum variety can be found in New York, its future across the state hangs in precarious balance without protective measures. While plucking these flowers isn’t explicitly prohibited in Ontario, it’s imperative to heed property rights. Removing them from private lands or government-owned territories, including provincial parks, constitutes illegal activity.
In New York, stringent protections guard many trillium species. Hence, if encountering these floral marvels while traversing woodland trails, it’s paramount to admire them through lenses rather than plucking them for personal collection. By preserving their natural habitat, the joy of witnessing trilliums remains accessible to all, ensuring their beauty endures for generations to come.
