Skunk cabbage occurs in wooded wetlands where it produces yellow speckled maroon flowers in late winter to early spring. This plant can warm itself up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which melts snow to expose its unique flowers. To attract pollinators like flies and gnats, the flowers have a scent similar to a skunk or carrion. Later in spring, skunk cabbage produces large, round, easily noticeable leaves.
#midwest #iowa #illinois #michigan #minnesota #wisconsin #missouri #nature #wildlife #habitat #nature #wilderness #MidwestWildernessConnections #NaturePhotography #SkunkCabbage #Flora #Plants #Symplocarpusfoetidus #HowardsHolloSeepNaturePreserve #VermillionCountyIllinois #nature_photo