I love the rich color, velvet-like texture, and geometric shape of this beautiful little flower that I spotted yesterday at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia. I believe that this is a Red Trillium (Trillium erectum). According to Wikipedia, Red Trilliums are also known as wake robin, bethroot, and stinking benjamin.
I was curious about the name “stinking benjamin,” so I searched on-line and learned that Red Trilliums produce fetid or putrid odors purported to attract carrion fly and beetle pollinators. Some describe the odor as similar to that of a wet dog—I did not get close enough to verify personally the accuracy of this assertion.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Worth clicking in on this to see close detail. Awesome!
Thanks, Liz. I love macro shots and always try to post larger images than necessary so that readers can see more of the details if they desire to do so. That is the case for flowers as well so for the tiny insects that I enjoy photographing.
What an awesome flower.
I totally agree, Michael–there is so much to like about this flower. It is not as colorful and flamboyant as some flowers, but has a real sense of elegance.
Exactly.
Geez Mike! Why didn’t you get up close and personal with the stinking flower? We all wanted you opinion on what they smell like! LOL
I guess I should do research before I photograph something instead of afterwards. 🙂
I laughed at your comment that this isn’t as colorful as some flowers. My first thought was that its color far outshines so many wildflowers. These certainly are gorgeous, and always a treat to see.
I have been looking at a lot of colorful irises recently, so my senses are a bit overstimulated at the moment. It is all a matter of perspective. 🙂
Very Nice Mike! Enjoyed seeing your Red trillium image!