Trillium,Red_DaveSpier_D044584p

Description:

Red Trillium (Trillium erectum), a.k.a. Wake-robin, "stinking Benjamin," "wet-dog trillium" and Birthroot, Ontario County, Finger Lakes Region, NY, April 22. This species smells like rotting meat and attracts flies which aid in pollination. -- Dave Spier [resolution reduced to preview size for web and blog use]. Once considered part of the Lily family (Liliaceae), the APG III System now places trilliums in the Melanthiaceae. General information on this species can be found in my blog at northeastnaturalist.blogspot.com/2011/05/red-trilliums-da...