Scientific Name
Trillium spp.
Common Name
Trillium, wake-robin

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Liliaceae
Plant Description
Perennial herb; stem unbranched with 3 leaves at the top; flower solitary, either erect above the leaves or pendant on a curved stalk, 3-parted, white, yellow, pink, or maroon-purple; fruit a berry.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Throughout.
Where Found
Forest or natural area in rich woods.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Berries and roots.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Young, unfolding leaves HARVEST TIME: Only collect leaves from areas you know have NOT been treated with pesticides. SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES: Wash leaves in warm water to remove dirt and debris. Do not use dish detergent or any type of sanitizer. These products can leave a residue. Cook in boiling, salted water for ten minutes and serve like greens. SOURCE: Crowhurst, A. 1972. The Weed Cookbook. Lancer Books, Inc. New York, 190 pp.
Toxic Principle
Toxicity unknown, but caution because of its relationship with known toxic plants.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Carolina's Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222, PO Box 32861 Charlotte, NC 28232-2861. If not in North Carolina contact your local poison control center or a physician.

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