Alpha Trianguli isn't the brightest star in Triangulum (3.2), but it's the most convenient as a means of finding M33 (in the same field of vision).

Despite its seeming insignificance, because of its distinctive shape Triangulum has been around a long time. The Greeks called the three stars alpha, beta, and 12 Trianguli Deltoton (Deltoton).

In the seventeenth century Hevelius invented the constellation Triangulum Minor, taking 12 Trianguli away to form this smaller triangle (formed from 6, 10, and 12 Tri, which in fact do make a nice asterism: binoculars).
     At the same time the original triangle was scaled down to a thinner version: alpha, beta, and gamma binoculars which some sky charts still show as the constellation's asterism.

One star of interest is 6 Trianguli (also sometimes called iota). This is a pleasant binary that goes under the name Struve 227 -- a bright yellow primary with a blue companion, clearly visible in small telescopes: 5.3, 6.8, PA 70º and separation 3.9".