. Skunk Cabbage One of the first wildflowers of spring, skunk cabbage grows in wet areas often emerging when snow is still on the ground. In fact, the plant emits enough heat to melt the snow around it. What is seen in the picture is the actual flower, which is a hooded spathe that protects the club-shaped spadix inside. The spadix is covered with tiny flowers without petals. A tight roll of green leaves that unfold and grow to be huge follows the flower, eventually carpeting an area. When the plant is bruised a strong odor fills the air giving credence to its name.

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