Eastern Skunk Cabbage

Leafy wetland wildflower that comes up early in spring. Blooms come up first as mottled purplish spathe that is open on the side. Inside is a small, light colored ball shaped spadix with little flowers all over it.
Green, cabbage-like leaves sprout afterwards. Leaves are foul smelling when crushed (hence the name). The flowers have an unpleasant odor as well that attracts insects to help with pollination.