03/24/2026
The Persistent Trillium (Trillium persistens) is in bloom! One of the rarest flowers in our area, the Persistent Trillium blooms from early March to mid-April.
Generally, trilliums fall into one of two categories: pedicellate or sessile. Pedicellate flowers have a little neck that extends from the three-leaf whorl trilliums are known for. That neck is either “erect” or “nodding,” depending on if the flower stands above the whorl or curves to blossom beneath it. Sessile trilliums, on the other hand, have no neck at all and will appear to flower directly out of the three-leaf whorl. If you’re keeping up, that means the Persistent Trillium is pedicellate and erect! As with all trilliums, this treasured locally endemic flower is a member of the lily (Liliacaea) family.
The Persistent Trillium was listed as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 1978. Today, the Persistent Trillium is only found in particular areas of the Tallulah Gorge–although historically other populations existed in Mocassin, Panther, and Battle Creek according to its USFWS recovery plan.
If you’re hiking around the Gorge this spring, keep your eyes peeled for this rare beauty! If you’re lucky enough to encounter one, be sure not to disturb it–these plants are incredibly sensitive. As always, take nothing but pictures–then send those pictures our way!
