Eastern Skunk Cabbage

Description:

Leafy wetland wildflower that comes up early in spring. Blooms come up first as mottled purplish spathe that is open on the side. Inside is a small, light colored ball shaped spadix with little flowers all over it. Green, cabbage-like leaves sprout afterwards. Leaves are foul smelling when crushed (hence the name). The flowers have an unpleasant odor as well that attracts insects to help with pollination.

Habitat:

Marshy woodlands. Connetquot State Park, NY.

Notes:

This plant can produce it's own heat up to 59-95°F ( 15-35°C). Allowing it to melt ice and snow and attract early insects with the heat and odor! Apparently edible if prepared correctly. Not edible raw. Spotting number 400!