by Ernest Thompson Seton
Wild Ginger (Asarum Canadense). In rich woods, New Brunswick to Manitoba and southward halfway to the Gulf. Blooms April and May. Its roots are flavored like ginger.
Jack--in--the--Pulpit, or Indian Turnip (Arisaema triphyllium). In moist woods, Nova Scotia to Minnesota and southward to Gulf States. Its root is frightfully acrid and pungent when raw, but when boiled becomes wholesome food.
Red Trillium, or Smelly. Wake-Robin (Trillium erectum). In woods, Nova Scotia to James' Bay and Manitoba, thence southward halfway to the Gulf. Its color varies from dark purple to pink, green, or white. It blooms from April to June. The name Wake--robin is supposed to mean that it wakes when the robin comes. It has a very bad smell and in consequence country bows call it by simple, sincere, but very vernacular names.
Skunk Cabbage (Spathyema foetida). In swamps, Nova Scotia to Minnesota, southward to the Gulf States. Its bloom is the first of all the spring flowers, in moist localities, for it sends its big egg-shaped and purple-mottled bloom into the cold world as early as February, long before its leaves will venture forth. In March and April it is still in flower.
