Skunk Cabbage

Skunk cabbage
Lysichiton americanus

This native perennial plant is one of the earliest flowers to bloom in the spring (usually March). Also called swamp lantern, it grows in swamps, bogs, wet forests and along streams in the Pacific Northwest. Its strong “skunk” smell attracts pollinating insects.

Bees pollinate the flowers in late spring, and the green leaves are usually not seen until a week after the flowers appear.

TRADITIONAL USES BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLES:
The roots can be steamed and eaten and used for medicine. The leaves can be used for packaging and serving food. [1]

ANIMAL USES:
Black bears eat the plant in spring as a laxative. [1]

[1] Source: https://sierraclub.bc.ca/skunk-cabbage/