The first wildflower to appear in our area each spring is also one of the most unusual. With its thick, leathery spathe, or hood, surrounding the central flower stalk, skunk cabbage blooms in area wetlands and swamps, sometimes as early as February.
The large flower gives off so much heat that it often melts snow and ice from the area immediately around it very early in spring.
Skunk cabbage, well known for its beautiful, unusual bloom, is named for its massive whorls of cabbage-like foliage that follow later in spring and remain attractive right through summer.
These massive plants can grow 4 feet across with large, bright green leaves that resemble hostas in the wild.
The skunk name comes from the scent of the plant when a leaf or stem is broken. The scent is identical to that of a skunk.
The beautiful flowers of skunk cabbage can be lime green to bright red in color, striped and streaked in silver, purple, white and green.
The thick hood surrounding the flowering stalk keeps temperatures balanced, as well as providing shelter for early flying insects, which pollinate the plant.
Skunk cabbage grows well in thick, cedar swamps and wetlands such as those found at Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve, Appleton, as well as Rat River Wildlife Area, just west of the Fox Cities.
Enjoy these mysterious blooms now, as the flowers won’t last long as spring’s warmth drive the massive leaves to unfurl and hide these precious woodland wildflowers.
— Rob Zimmer: 920-419-3734, email@example.com