Wake-Robin: A Spring Flower with Many Names
Wake-robin is a common name for several species of flowering plants in the genus Trillium, which belong to the family Melanthiaceae. These plants are native to temperate regions of North America and Asia, and they bloom in early spring, often before the leaves of other plants emerge. The name wake-robin comes from the fact that the flowers are a sign of the arrival of robins and other migratory birds.
Wake-robin flowers have three petals and three sepals, and they come in various colors, such as white, pink, purple, red, or yellow. The petals may be erect, spreading, or nodding, depending on the species. The flowers are usually fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees and flies. The fruits are berry-like capsules that contain many seeds.
Wake-robin plants have rhizomes that allow them to spread underground and form clumps or colonies. The leaves are usually whorled in groups of three at the top of a single stem. The leaves are often mottled with green and white or purple markings, giving them a distinctive appearance.
Wake-robin plants have many other names besides wake-robin, such as trillium, wood lily, birthroot, toadshade, wakerobin, and sweet Betsy. Some of these names reflect the medicinal uses of the plants by Native Americans and early settlers, who used the roots to treat various ailments such as bleeding, childbirth complications, snake bites, and skin infections. However, some species of wake-robin are poisonous and should not be consumed.
Wake-robin plants are popular among gardeners and wildflower enthusiasts for their beauty and symbolism. They are often planted in shady woodland areas or naturalized in lawns and meadows. They are also protected by law in some states and provinces, as they are threatened by habitat loss, overharvesting, and invasive species. Wake-robin plants are a wonderful addition to any spring landscape, as they herald the arrival of warmer weather and new life.
One of the most common and widespread species of wake-robin is the white wake-robin (Trillium grandiflorum), which is the provincial flower of Ontario, Canada. This species has large, white, erect petals that turn pink as they age. The flowers can reach up to 10 cm (4 in) in diameter, making them one of the largest flowers in the genus. The white wake-robin grows in moist, rich woods and meadows from eastern Canada to the southeastern United States.
Another common species of wake-robin is the red wake-robin (Trillium erectum), which is also known as purple trillium, stinking Benjamin, or wet dog trillium. This species has dark red, purple, or maroon petals that are often nodding or drooping. The flowers have a foul odor that attracts carrion flies as pollinators. The red wake-robin grows in a variety of habitats from eastern Canada to the northeastern and midwestern United States.
A rare and endangered species of wake-robin is the yellow wake-robin (Trillium luteum), which is also known as lemon trillium or yellow toadshade. This species has bright yellow petals that are spreading or slightly recurved. The flowers have a pleasant lemon scent that attracts bees and butterflies. The yellow wake-robin grows in rich, moist woods and slopes in a limited range in the southern Appalachian Mountains.