It is called trout lily for those spotted leaves, dogtooth violet for the white underground bulb, adder's tongue or serpent's tongue for the stamens that protrude from the reflexed yellow petals, and fawn lily for the way the leaves stand straight up at times like the ears of a fawn. Another take on the lily name perhaps comes from a book lent to me by the gracious and infinitely knowledgeable Ohio State University weed biologist John Cardina. Also called white trillium, this showy flower is designated as Ohio's state wildflower. Blooming from April to June, trillium has three leaves, three green sepals, and three white petals. The white petals often fade to a pink color with age.
Trilliums are members of the lily family.
The best way to appreciate these and many more wildflowers and other woodland wonders is, of course, to step outside. Jim Chatfield is a horticultural educator with Ohio State University Extension. Include your phone number.