Skunk cabbage’s flower, a spadix, is one of the earliest to be seen in Spring, seen here inside the foremost bud. Actually the plant can be seen in mid-winter as it is thermogenic and produces heat which helps clear away the snow around it. Native Americans used it to treat a few maladies such as epilepsy and various bodily swellings. It’s an Araceae which is related to the Philodendron houseplant. Aside from having a bad smell it is also toxic and even a small amount can be seriously harmful.
Along this same path in Quabbin Park I once came across a skunk cabbage plant acting as a maple nursery.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
I love the smell of skunk cabbage – reminds me of my childhood, roaming the forests of coastal B.C.
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Glad that it reminded you of something from your childhood, Chris. I have never found the smell all that offensive.
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Beautiful–and dangerous. I’ve heard of skunk cabbage, but never have seen it.
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Not that I am going to experiment but I believe I read somewhere that multiple boilings can make it somewhat palatable as with some Amanita mushrooms. I don’t forage and think that if it took that much trouble to make it borderline edible it isn’t worth the trouble.
When it greens up there can be hundreds in one spot covering a damp shaded area with its broad leaves.
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I recently read the instructions for making poke sallet edible, and that’s another one that doesn’t seem worth the trouble.
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My rule of thumb, sorta, is if it seems like work it ain’t worth it. 🙂
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The markings on the buds are amazing! And I’m wondering if any of the maple seedlings will make it to being established trees.
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This is an old shot and I doubt that when I return I’d be able to find the exact spot and be sure of the tree. But it’s fun to imagine that at least one of those samaras survived and became a tree.
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The markings on the plants look like they’ve been swirled, either in reality or digitally.
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It’s all natural here at SGNP.
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Fine colour and detail. I didn’t realize they can be found in the winter as well.
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They can be. Here’s one I posted from a snowy day. Thanks, Belinda!
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Quite amazing to see pushing through the snow!
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They have such a beautiful shape.
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They do and quite unique. The leaves are fun to use as abstract subjects also.
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What a uniquely beautiful plant!
This is one we don’t have in our area. Thank you for sharing it, even though I can’t smell it very well from here.
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Thanks, Wally! I’ve not found its odor offensive and Chris in the first comment mentioned loving the smell. I suppose it must be unpleasant to many as otherwise it wouldn’t have that name.
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Or, perhaps a botanist observed the plant being nibbled upon by Pepé Le Pew?
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I’m giving myself a gold star for remembering that Jack-in-the-pulpit plants have a spadix, too. I love the shape of these, and the striations. Their ability to melt snow is really interesting.
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Here’s one from me
Although many people find them to be a bit pesty, I always like finding them in profusion. The flowers are attractive and the foliage lush.
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I think I’ve completely missed these this year so I’m glad to see some here. I love the variegated color. And that photo of the cabbage holding a little forest of maple is a great find, makes me smile. 🙂
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The buds are most often variegated although some are all green as well. That maple nursery is one of my favorite shots. Not the greatest photographically but so cool. Thanks, Todid!
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The maple seedlings springing up in the Skunk cabbage leaf is an astounding find, Steve, lucky you! It speaks to nature’s stubborn will to grow. When you go out over and over again, as you do, you see amazing things. Thank you.
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Nature is just full of the unexpected most times. I certainly never gave something like this a thought. Thanks, Lynn!
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You found a nice grouping to make a unique design!
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Thanks, Denise! It was a lucky find and a favorite now.
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