The snow is melting away enough that the Eastern Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is finally starting to show itself. It is the earliest blooming wildflower in Ohio. It is a thermogenic plant that can generate its own heat through a chemical process within itself. This allows it to bloom with snow and ice on the ground as it melts the snow around it (image 4). Along with its odor, the heat also creates a warm spot that attracts any pollinating insects that are out this time of year.
1. The green leaf spikes have been out of the ground for a couple months. They will grow into large leaves that resemble hosta or tobacco leaves.
2.
3.
4. Melting a bit of snow.
5. You can see the actual yellow flowers starting to form on the spadix inside the one on the right.
6. Somebody spilled some Cocao Puffs!
Thanks for looking!
1. The green leaf spikes have been out of the ground for a couple months. They will grow into large leaves that resemble hosta or tobacco leaves.
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2.
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3.
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4. Melting a bit of snow.
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5. You can see the actual yellow flowers starting to form on the spadix inside the one on the right.
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6. Somebody spilled some Cocao Puffs!
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Thanks for looking!