Q: We found a plant in our woods about a week ago, and I wondered if you could identify what it is? – R.B. via email
A: That is one of my all-time favorite woodland wildflowers, the trillium. There are numerous species of Trillium. I believe yours is the prairie trillium, known botanically as Trillium recurvatum. Despite the common name, prairie trillium is native to woodland habitats rather than open prairie. Some members of this species have yellow flowers, but shades of red and maroon are more common.
More information about this plant is available at
https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/trillium_recurvatum.shtml