skunk cabbage

Uploaded on Apr 22, 2011

The Symplocarpus foetidus (Eastern Skunk Cabbage) emerges through the snow and ice of an Illinois forest (Goodenow Grove, Will County Forest Preserve District, Beecher, IL) to blossum for all to enjoy. This plant shows an amazing ability to generate its own heat (thermogenesis), anywhere from 65 to 95 degrees F.

Published on Mar 1, 2013

Krik of Black Owl Outdoors talks about Skunk Cabbage [Symplocarpus foetidus] a hearty plant that is an indicator of spring's impending return. A reason the Skunk Cabbage is able to sprout so early is because of thermogenesis, the ability to generate its own heat. The Skunk Cabbage can melt snow around it and use it's heat to spread it's smell and attract pollinators such as flys and beetles. The Skunk Cabbage has a wide range of population, spanning from eastern Asia to Eastern North America, but is found in wet, low-lying, boggy areas.

Uploaded on Feb 27, 2010

群馬県前橋市富士見町沼の窪のザゼンソウ群生地 2010年2月27日撮影

Uploaded on Feb 23, 2012

Eastern Skunk Cabbage, Symplocarpus foetidus, is one of the earliest plants to flower. It's an important sources of early pollen for pollinators, mainly carrion flies, beetles, and early bees. The flower shields the insects from the cold and often they'll spend the night within the flower. Occasionally this kills the pollinator but I've found most of the flowers rot or are damaged enough that escape is easy. This plant normally grows in mucky bog-like soil in wetlands and along creeks and streams.