Persistent Trillium

Trillium persistens
Lily Family

This trillium is native only to the narrow Tallulah River Gorge in the Appalachian foothills of Rabun Co. Georgia and a small portion of Oconee Co. S. Carolina, it was not classified until the twentieth century! A federally listed endangered species -- http://endangered.fws.gov/i/q/saq0e.html
Ages to a deep rose pink. Blooms mid-late March to early April.

this photo from Rabun County Ga.--04.03.04

Wildflowers of the Southern Appalachian Mountains -- Home Page