A sure sign of spring is the reemergence of that fragrant swamp flower-- the skunk cabbage. Although they share a name and foul odor, the Western skunk cabbage looks nothing like the Eastern skunk cabbage. Also called Swamp Lantern, the Western skunk cabbage has enormous green leaves (the largest leaves of any native plant in the Pacific Northwest) and huge bright yellow flowers. The stamen, pictured here, is about a foot tall. Local Native Americans used to use the giant leaves to line their baskets or wrap around fish to cook over the fire.
Wow. what a unique flower. I can say I have lived here all my life and I'm not sure I've ever noticed these!
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of skunk cabbage - little more known that there was a Western and Eastern.
ReplyDeleteFun to learn new things about plants. The leaves must not be too "skunky" if they were used to line baskets and cook fish. No skunk cabbage around here. Too dry and too cold I guess.
ReplyDeleteA foot tall . . . really! I am not familiar with either the eastern or the western version. Looks like I need to brush up on my skunk cabbages.
ReplyDeleteEven here in the city I can look out my condo window and see Skunk Cabbage along the creek in the protected riparian zone. I love their bright yellow colour. - Margy
ReplyDeleteSo, this huge plant grows in open fields? Woodsy areas? With lots of its kind nearby? What a great photo! I agree with Jack, by the way.
ReplyDeleteNot sure I would care for the aroma of this flower, but your picture is lovely.
ReplyDeleteLovely picture! As a biology student, I have to correct one thing - the center piece is not the stamen. It's actually the spadix (the surrounding petal-esque structure is the spathe) which means it has tons and tons of tiny flowers on that footlong spike.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the info, Stacy! I had no idea those were little flowers. It's such an odd, complicated little plant!
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