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Western Skunk Cabbage

Lysichiton americanus

Description:

"The plant is called Skunk Cabbage because of the distinctive "skunky" odor that it emits. The plant grows from rhizomes that measure 30 cm or longer, and 2.5 to 5 cm in diameter. The leaves are the largest of any native plant in the region, 50–135 cm long and 30–80 cm wide when mature. Its flowers are produced in a spadix contained within a large, bright yellow or yellowish green spathe 30–40 cm tall; it is among the first flowers to appear in spring. The blooming stem produces heat, which can be sufficient to melt the snow around the plant." - Wikipedia

Habitat:

Boggy area in partial shade near a waterfall.

Notes:

"The distinctive odor attracts its pollinators, scavenging flies and beetles." - Wikipedia

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2 Comments

CindyBinghamKeiser
CindyBinghamKeiser 12 years ago

:)

alicelongmartin
alicelongmartin 12 years ago

I collected the Eastern Skunk Cabbage, I better be fair and collect yours also.

Salem, Oregon, USA

Spotted on Apr 21, 2007
Submitted on Jul 20, 2011

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