|
|
| Western Skunk Cabbage |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Note: Flower is green and immature in bottom photo |
This is the Western Skunk Cabbage though alternatively known as Yellow Skunk Cabbage. It is typical of bogs, usually ones where water stands much of the year. It is found along the west coast from Cook Inlet, Alaska to central California. The stink has the effect of attracting flies and beetles who crawl around on the flower and pollinate it.
The flower blooms in early spring and is a reliable indicator that spring is actually coming. This is the only member of the Arum plant family identified as native to Oregon.
It blooms in the early spring, often in March and April and is one of the first flowers of the season.