Family:  Trientalis borealis

Common Name:  Wood Lily

Habitat:  Moist woods

Growing Season:  May - August

Plant Size:  4-8 inches

Characteristics:  Fragile, white flowers are on delicate stalks arising from a whorl of 5 to 9 leaves.  Flowers are about 1.3 cm wide.  Usually has 7 petals with golden anthers.  Leaves are about 4.5 to 10 cm. long.

Folklore:  The name winterweed probably came from the plant's ability to grow very early in the spring.  It was used to predict the weather.  If it is in full bloom, there is a saying that there will be no rain for at least 4 hours.

Uses:  It is a good source of vitamin A and C.  Poultice for boils and abscesses.  In Elizabethan England it was used to reduce fever.