giant purple wakerobin, Trillium kurabayashii

Giant purple may indeed be the largest of the stemless trilliums. Enthusiastic individuals might produce petals nearly six inches long. Or this might just be another trillium. Trillium kurabayashii was not recognized as a separate species until 1975. It is still lumped together with other west coast trilliums by some authorities. Because of its size, and the curious nature of sessile trilliums, these plants are not too unusual in gardens. Giant purple wakerobin grows in northern CA and in adjacent OR. Beal Garden MSU, 4/12/12. Flypoison family, Melanthiaceae.