Trillium grandiflorum - Large-flowered Trillium
 In
the early spring, certain areas of forest can become carpets of white and
pink Trillium. Though they can be eaten, Trillium species are rare enough
that they should never be picked and may even be protected by law in some
areas. Removing the leaves can be fatal to the plant by killing the underground
rootstalk.
Young, unfolding leaves can be added raw to salads or cooked. They become bitter once the flower appears and in some species possibly even poisonous. Native Americans would chew the underground rootstalks for a variety of medicinal purposes including aiding childbirth. Other claims for its curative properties other than general health are for stopping internal bleeding, especially of the uterus. |
| Family: Lily (Liliaceae)
Blooms: April through June Fruit: Red Berry Native to: America Photo Location: Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ypsilanti, MI 5/2000
|
 |
