Birth Root Or Stinking Benjamin: What’s In A Name? (#268)

In the Pennsylvania woodlands I am always thrilled when I find myself walking on undisturbed land.  Land that has not been tilled for farming or moved around for roads and houses.  How can I tell?  The presence of native wildflowers is a sure sign.

Red Trillium

One of the prettiest flowers I found is the Red Trillium growing in rich soil beneath a canopy of trees.

With an interest in ethnobotany, learning about the history of this revered plant is an added bonus.

A few hundred years ago it was known as Birth Root by Native Americans who used the root to induce childbirth and to aid in labor.

Native Americans Taught Settlers About Their Healing Plants

To green flies it is a place to lay their eggs.  Why?  Well, that’s where another name for the flower comes into play.  It’s been called Stinking Benjamin because it has a faint odor of meat gone bad.  That aspect attracts the green flies who incidentally pollinate the flowers while laying their eggs.

Red Trillium Pollen 

Since it has three leaves the Red Trillium also has a connection to the Holy Trinity.

All this from just a walk in the woods.  I am always in wonder at our beautiful natural world.

Ever Grateful,  Annie