description
Trillium pendulum is a perennial formerly in the family Trilliaceae or
trillium family (which is now part of the family Melanthiaceae). It is a
smooth herb, has an erect stem of from 10 to 15 inches in height, bearing
three leaves, broad, almost rhomboid, and drooping white flowers, terminal
and solitary. Grows in the rich soil of damp and shady woodlands, flowering
in May and June.
The official description of the rhizome is oblique, globular, oblong or
obconical, truncate below, terminated by a small bud surrounded by a sheath
of scarious leaf bases annulated by leaf scars and fissured by stem scars.
It is from 0.6 to 5 cm. in length, and from 0.6 to 3.5 cm. in width, more or
less compressed laterally, rootlet scars in several concentric rows on the
underside in the upper portions. Externally yellowish to reddish brown;
internally of a pale yellow; fracture somewhat uneven with a more or less
spongy appearance. Odor is distinct; taste is bitter and acrid.
common names
& nomenclature
Trillium is named (from Latin, tri = three) for the three green sepals and
three larger petals.
Also known as:
birthroot,
coughroot,
wake-robin,
ground lily,
nodding,
pariswort,
indian balm,
rattlesnake root,
snakebite,
jew's harp plant,
milk ipecac,
trillium,
three-leaved nightshade,
indian shamrock,
and
lamb's quarters