Saturday, April 24, 2010

Red Empress Blooming

Red Trillium or Wake-robin
(Trillium erectum)

Also known as the Purple Trillium, Wake-robin, Bethroot and Birthroot, she is the reigning monarch of the Lanark Highlands in April, and she is the single northern wildflower most likely to leave me wide-eyed, breathless and down on my hands and creaking knees. There I was yesterday morning, down on the moist fragrant ground among last year's tattered leaves, peering into the leafy emerald shade like an old fool at one of the Old Wild Mother's finest creations ever.

If Georgia O'Keefe had been with me in the woods yesterday morning, she would have been kneeling too — and she would have begged for the privilege of painting this single magnificent bloom, its deep winey-red burgundy hue, its sumptuous flowing curves, and even its three whorled green leaves — all magic and a transcendant mystery.

While April days have been sunny for the most part, the nights have been cold in the Lanark Highlands, and my red empress is blooming almost alone in her protected cove. All around her, her red and white sisters sisters are tightly furled buds.

This is what the pure undiluted elemental grace of the earth looks like — this is perfection.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

The Empress has awakened from Her dreamy sleep, beckoned by her Mother she unfurls with the joy of living.

Delphyne said...

I have not seen this flower and she is a beauty! Yes, I am sure that Georgia would already be painting her!

the wild magnolia said...

Shared beauty! Thank you.

marigold said...

A beautiful variation of trinities... The loveliest image...

Victoria said...

What a gorgeous variety of trillium, I've never seen a Red Empress until now. I love the way you caught the sun light glowing through her.

Sky said...

i would love a garden filled with these beauties!

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

What a beauty. I have Trilliums in my woods - but they are more green in color with a burgundy center.