Trillium texanum

Threats to the species include drainage of preferred wetland habitat for pine plantations, and competition with introduced species (NatureServe 2019). Impacts of timber harvest, land conversion, and groundwater extraction need not occur at sites where the species is present to have negative impacts on the species. Its preferred habitat is susceptible to erosion, siltation, inundation, or drying associated with alterations to surface water flow. Soil compaction within preferred, perennially moist areas caused by clearcutting may result in decreased soil moisture and increased competition with invasive competitors including Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) (NatureServe 2019). Natural gas and oil exploration, livestock trampling, and rooting caused by feral hogs (Sus domesticus) have also had documented negative impacts on the species. Lignite mining has the potential to eliminate favourable habitat within the species' range. Historical development of reservoirs has caused the extirpation of some subpopulations, though this threat is unlikely to impact current occurrences (Texas Parks and Wildlife Division 2015). Fungal infections have caused recruitment failure among several species within the genus Trillium (Case and Case 2009). Though this has not yet been observed in Texas Trillium, it could potentially threaten some subpopulations if introduced to the area (Texas Parks and Wildlife Division 2015).

Monitoring is needed to determine population trends and the long-term impact of threats to the species. Basic information on the life history and ecology of the species, including pollinators and the impact of competing invasive species, is needed to better determine future conservation efforts. In addition to protections preventing hydrological changes, the species would benefit from habitat protections which exclude livestock to avoid trampling and browsing. Critical sites should be identified to determine the impact of local timber extraction activities.

The species is not currently listed as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the State of Texas. The U.S. Forest Service lists the species as Sensitive. Aside from eight occurrences within the Angelina National Forest, all known subpopulations occur on private land and are not legally protected (MacRoberts and MacRoberts 2005, Texas Parks and Wildlife Division 2015). Two of the privately owned occurrences are managed by non-profit organizations focused on land conservation (The Nature Conservancy and The Texas Land Conservancy) (Texas Parks and Wildlife Division 2015).

Ex situ conservation efforts for the species include plantings at three botanic garden sites (BGCI 2019), and seed bank accessions held at the Cincinnati Zoo and Mercer Botanic Gardens (Center for Plant Conservation 2019).