Bethroot"

Bethroot

Bethroot
There are about 30 species of rhizomatous perennials in this genus, occurring in N America and NE Asia. Trillium erectum is grown as an ornamental in the woodland garden or shady border for its attractive triangular foliage and flowers, which appear early in the year. It was introduced to herbal medicine by Constantine Rafinesque in his Medical Flora (2 vols, 1828-30) and listed in the U. S. National Formulary (1916-47). The rhizomes contain steroidal saponins that have hormonal effects; hence their use in gynecological and obstetric medicine. The white-flowered variety was preferred by native N Americans for treating sore nipples, inducing labor, and controlling postpartum hemorrhage, vaginal discharge, and heavy menstruation.. The related Asiatic species, T. kamtschaticum and T. tschonoskii, have similar properties. Trillium comes from the Latin trilix, "triple", because all parts of these plants of these plants are tripartite.

Variable perennial with a short, thick rootstock, erect stem, and three broadly ovate leaves, to 20cm (8in). A solitary, nodding, fetid flower, with three pale green, maroon-tinged sepals and three maroon (occasionally white or yellow) petals, to 5cm (2in) long, appears in the center of the leaves in spring.

Common Name:

Bethroot

Other Names:

Birthroot, Wake Robin

Botanical Name:

Trillium erectum

Genus:

Trillium

Family:

Liliaceae/Trilliaceae

Cultivation:

Moist, well-drained, neutral to slightly acid, rich soil in partial shade. Leaves are prone to damage by slugs and snails.

Propagation:

By seed sown in a cold frame in spring; by division during dormancy. Seeds take up to three years to germinate, and plants seldom flower until 5-7 years old.

Harvest:

Rhizomes are lifted after leaves have died back in late summer, and dried for use in decoctions, liquid extracts, and tinctures.

Native Region:

Eastern N America

Height:

30-50cm (12-20in)

Width:

30cm (12in)

Varieties:

f. albiflorum
Has white flowers.

f. luteum
Has yellow flowers.

Hardiness:

Z3-8

Parts Used:

Rhizomes

Properties:

A sweet-sour, astringent, warming herb that is expectorant, controls bleeding, and benefits the female reproductive system.

Medicinal Uses:

Internally for hemorrhage from uterus, urinary tract and lungs, and excessive menstruation. Externally for vaginal discharge, ulcers (especially varicose), skin complaints, insect bites and stings. Combined with Geranium maculatum (See, American Cranesbill) or Vinca major (See, Greater Periwinkle) for heavy menstruation; with Bidens tripartita (See, Trifid Bur Marigold) for blood in the urine; and with Lobelia inflata (See, Indian Tobacco) and Ulmus rubra (See, Slippery Elm) for ulcers.

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