No national flower was ever chosen, but the white trillium was chosen as Ontario’s floral emblem. Since they’re sheltered by trees, trilliums rely on insects rather than wind for pollination. Ants are attracted to trillium seeds and drag them back to their nests.
Is trillium the flower of Ontario?
Most people know of the White Trillium — also referred to as Wake Robin or Large-leaved Trillium — as Ontario’s provincial flower. This is the flower featured on many of our provincial documents, from health cards to driver’s licenses.
When did the trillium become Ontario’s flower?
1937
Breadcrumb. The Legislature adopted the White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum) as Ontario’s official flower in 1937.
Why is the trillium important to Canada?
Trillium grandiflorum (white trillium, white lily, wakerobin) flowers Apr-May in the hardwood forests of western and central Québec and in the lower Ottawa Valley, Ont. It has been the Provincial Floral Emblem in Ontario since 1937. The roots were valued for their astringent and antiseptic properties.
What do trillium flowers symbolize?
Trillium flowers can have many meanings. Usually, this flower symbolizes spiritual embodiment and with a sense of conscientiousness. It can also showcase precision, elegance, and grace.
Why is it illegal to pick trilliums in Ontario?
There is no specific law against picking trilliums in Ontario, but it is against provincial law to “disturb, cut, kill, remove or harm any plant, tree or natural object in a provincial park or conservation area.” Meaning, if you pick a white trillium that’s growing in your backyard, that’s perfectly legal.
Why are trilliums illegal?
Some species of trillium are listed as threatened or endangered; picking these species may be illegal. Laws in some jurisdictions may restrict the commercial exploitation of trilliums and prohibit collection without the land owners permission.
Why is trillium a Canadian symbol?
The adoption of the white trillium grew out of a movement during the First World War to choose a national floral emblem appropriate for planting on the graves of Canadian servicemen overseas. Found in the forests and woodlands of Ontario, it blooms in late April and May.
What are two of Ontario’s symbols?
Ontario’s Symbols
- Amethyst. Amethyst.
- Loon. Loon.
- Eastern White Pine. Eastern White Pine.
- White Trillium. Trillium.
- Tartan. Tartan.
- Flag. Ontario Flag.
- Coat of Arms. Coat of Arms.
- Franco-Ontarian Flag.
Where does trillium come from?
Trillium species are native to temperate regions of North America and Asia, with the greatest diversity of species found in the southern Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern United States.
Is it illegal to pick a white trillium in Ontario?
(1) No person shall pick, cut down, dig, pull up, injure or destroy, in whole or in part, whether in blossom or not, the plant that produces the trillium grandiflorum or white trillium. (b) the carrying out of necessary work on property owned or lawfully occupied by the person.
Are trillium flowers poisonous?
The plants thrive in cool, moist conditions and grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9, depending on the species. Trilliums are classified as poisonous plants, according to North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
Why is Trillium called Wake Robin?
The plant takes its common name “wake robin” by analogy with the European robin, which has a red breast heralding spring. Likewise Trillium erectum is a spring ephemeral whose life-cycle is synchronized with that of the forests in which it lives.
Where do trilliums grow in Ontario?
Found in the forests and woodlands of Ontario, the white trillium blooms in late April and May. As Clarke’s photo shows above, spectacular beds of trilliums can sometimes be found in Ontario’s provincial parks where large areas of their woodland habitat remain intact.
Can you buy trillium plants in Ontario?
It is currently illegal to pick trilliums in British Columbia, Michigan and New York state, but not Ontario. In May of 2009, former Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Leal proposed an amendment to the Ontario Trillium Protection Act that would have made it illegal to pick trilliums.
Can I plant trillium in my yard?
Trilliums, a wildflower native to shady, moist woodlands throughout the US (in growing zones 4-9), bloom in spring in shy, low-growing clumps. Make them happy in your garden by find a spot where they won’t be disturbed and planting them i well-drained soil (a layer of leaf mulch will make them even happier).
Is it OK to pick trillium?
Picking a trillium flower does not kill the plant but damage can result if the green leaves are taken as well. If the leaves are taken you won’t see renewed growth until the following year – which may not happen at all depending on the size of the rhizome.
What is Canada’s national flower?
Bunchberry
Bunchberry (Cornus Canadensis) is the popular choice for our country’s new national flower. A nation-wide contest to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary, sponsored by Master Gardeners of Ontario, has embraced the bunchberry, known as quatre–temps in French and kawiscowimin in Cree, as the winner.
Do deer eat trilliums?
Deer snacking on trillium also was not as straightforward as you might expect. Purple trillium didn’t seem to be much affected by deer browsing, but painted trillium definitely was and white trillium also was, but to a lesser degree.
Why is Ontario called Ontario?
Ontario acquired its name from the Iroquois word “kanadario”, which translates into “sparkling” water. The earliest recording of the name Ontario was in 1641 where it was used to describe a mass of land on the north shore of the easternmost part of the Great Lakes.
What are 5 interesting facts about Ontario?
Ontario Facts about Nature
- Ontario covers more than one million square kilometres.
- Ontario is home to Canada’s most southerly point – Pelee Island.
- Ontario is home to more than 250,000 lakes, which contain about one-fifth of the world’s freshwater!
- Polar Bear Provincial Park is the largest park in Ontario.