Trillium erectum
Wake-robin, Beth root, Birthroot, or Stinking
benjamin (Trillium erectum) is a spring-flowering
perennial plant native to the west and north-west coast of the
United States. It grows to about 40 cm in height with a spread of
30 cm. It can tolerate extreme cold in winter, surviving temperatures
down to -35 C. The flowers are a deep red colour, and the plant takes
its name Wake-robin by analogy with the Robin
which has a red breast that heralds spring. The flowers have the
smell of rotting flesh as they are pollinated by flies. The young
leaves can be used in salad and taste like sunflower seeds.