White trillium, Grand trillium, Large-flowered trillium, Snow trillium, White Wake-robin, Great flowered trillium, Large-flowered wake-robin, Beth root, Birthroot, Wood lily
Synonym(s)
:
Trillium rhomboideum grandiflorum Michx.
Family
:
Melanthiaceae
General Info
Description
A herbaceous perennial plant which can reach 40cm in height (16inches). The leaves are whorled. The three whorled leaves are entire. The flowers have 3 Regular Parts and are up to 8cm wide (3 inches). They are white turning pinkish with age sometimes turning pink and green. Blooms first appear in early spring and continue into late spring. The flower is on a stalk up to 7cm (2.75") long. The flowers typically have wavy edges.
The raw root is grated and applied as a poultice to the eye in order to reduce swelling. The raw roots are also used as a poultice on aching rheumatic joints. A decoction of the root bark can be used as drops in treating a sore ear. The grated root is steeped in water and drunk as a tea for the treatment of cramps. The grated root is simmered in water and drunk for the treatment of irregular menses.